ACI 201.

1R-08

Guide for Conducting a Visual

Inspection of Concrete in Service

Reported by ACI Committee 201

American Concrete Institute

®

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 American
Concrete
Institute' First Printing July 2008
Advancing
concrete Guide for Conducting
knowledge
a Visual Inspection of
Concrete in Service

Copyright by the American Concrete Institute, Farmington Hills, MI. All rights reserved. This material may not be
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 ACI 201.1 R-08

Guide for Conducting a Visual Inspection

of Concrete in Service
Reported by ACI Committee 201

Russell L. Hill Kevin J. Folliard

Chair Secretary

NielsThaulow
Jon B. Ardahl' WilliamG.Hime Stell aLu cieMaru sin
CharlesJ.Hookham MichacD A Thomas
AndrewJBoyd MohamadA.Nagi
R.DougHooton PauJTikalsky
PauWBrown RoberENeal
BriaiBHope DavidTrejo ClaudeB
RamoiJCarrasquillo CharlesK.Nmai
DonaldJ.Janssen TrustyJr. Thom
RachelJDetwiler KarthikH.Obla RoberC
RoyH.Keck asFVaiDam
Jonathan E. Dongell' O’Neill
MohammadS.Khan OrvillcRWernerJI
PeiFidjestol DavidA.Rothstein
KimberlyEKurtis Terryf Willems
HarveyHHaynes JosephF.Lamond MauroJ .Scali
MichelleL.Wilson
GeoffreyHi chbornSr. MichaelL.Leming HannahC.Schell
Eugene D. Hill, Jr.+ JanP.Skalny

Subcommittee 201-C Chair during revision.

Subcommittee 201-C members who revised this guide.
^Deceased.

This guide provides terminology to perform and report on the visuabndition of CONTENTS
concrete in service. It includes a checklist of the many details that may be considered Chapter 1—Introduction, p. 201.1R-2
in making a report and descriptions for various concrete conditions associated with 1.1— Scope
the durability of concrete. 1.2— Introduction
1.3— References
Keywords: chemical attack; concrete durability; corrosion; cracking; deterioration;
discoloration; environments; joints; oxidation; popouts; scaling; serviceability; spalling; Chapter 2—Descriptions of distress, p. 201.1R-2
staining; surface defects; surface imperfections. 2.1—Cracking

2.2— Distress
2.3— Textural features and phenomena relative to their
ACI Committee Reports, Guides, Manuals, Standard Practices, development
and Commentaries are intended for guidance in planning,
designing, executing, and inspecting construction. This document
is intended for the use of individuals who are competent to Chapter 3—Visual inspection report and checklist,
evaluate the significance and limitations of its content and p. 201.1R-12
recommendations and who will accept
responsibility foruthe application of the material it contains. The Appendix, p. 201.1R-14
American Concrete Institute disclaims any and all responsibility for
the stated principles. The Institute shall not be liable for any loss or
damage arising therefrom. ACI 201.1R-08 supersedes ACI 201.1R-92 (Reapproved 1997) and was adopted and
Reference to this document shall not be made in contract publishedJuly 2008.
documents. If items found in this document are desired by the Copyright © 2008, American Concrete Institute.
All rights reserved including rights of reproduction and use in any form or by any means,
Architect/Engineer to be a part of the contract documents, they shall including the making of copies by any photo process, or by electronic or mechanical device,
be restated in mandatory language for incorporation by the printed, written, or oral, or recording for sound or visual reproduction or for use in any
Architect/Engineer. knowledge or retri eval system or device, unless permission in writing is obtained from the
copyright proprietors.

201.1R-1
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 201.1R-2 ACC OMMITTEB EPORT

CHAPTER 1—INTRODUCTION 201.2R Guide to Durable Concrete 207.3R Practices for

1.1— Scope Evaluation of Concrete in Existing Massive Structures for
This is a guide for a visual inspection of concrete in
Service Conditions 224.1R Causes, Evaluation, and Repair of
service. A visual inspection is an examination of concrete to
Cracks in Concrete Structures
identify and define many of the various conditions concrete
may exhibit during its service life. The visual inspection is 228.1 R In-Place Methods to Estimate Concrete Strength
typically limited to the surfaces of the concrete structure 228.2R Nondestructive Test Methods for Evaluation of
that are visually accessible. Concrete in Structures
311.1R ACI Manual of Concrete Inspection (SP-2)
1.2— Introduction
349.3R Evaluation of Existing Nuclear Safety-Related Concrete
By completing a visual inspection of the concrete immedi-
ately after construction, and through repetition at intervals Structures
during the concrete’s service life, the visual inspection 350.1 Tightness Testing of Environmental Engineering
vid s rta hi o i f i oi f Concrete Structures
Bna er ibHi?9 f«e isn pt<alo n oe5fi fts alo,n afa ofimmy
detection of distress and deterioration, enabling repair or 364.1R Guide for Evaluation of Concrete Structures Before
rehabilitation before replacement is necessary. Rehabilitation
It is important that the inspector properly document any 437R Strength Evaluation of Existing Concrete Buildings
observations related to environmental and loading conditions. This guide should also be used in conjunction with the
Inspections are often supplemented with nondestructive tests, following documents for condition assessment of structures:
destructive tests, and other investigations, especially when 1. American Society for Civil Engineers, “Guideline for
distress and deterioration is observed and information regarding Structural Condition Assessment of Existing Buildings,”
the internal condition of the concrete is needed. SEI/ASCE 11-99, ASCE, Reston, VA, 2000, 160 pp.
While a visual inspection is most often used in connection with 2. American Society for Civil Engineers, “Guideline for
the condition survey of concrete that is showing defects or some Condition Assessment of the Building Envelope,” SEI/ ASCE 30-
degree of distress, its application is recommended for all 00, ASCE, Reston, VA, 2000, 64 pp.
concrete structures. It is important that the inspector properly
3. Mufti, A., “Guideline for Structural Health Monitoring,”
document any observations related to environmental exposure
Design Manual No. 2, ISIS Canada, Winnipeg, MB, 2001.
(effects from physical loads, deformations, defects,
4. AASHTO, “Guide Specifications for Strength Evaluation
imperfections, and distress), durability, and performance.
of Existing Steel and Concrete Bridges,” AASHTO, Washington,
Concrete material records and construction practices should be
collected and reviewed. DC, 1989.
The checklist includes items that might have a bearing on 5. “Diagnosis of Deterioration in Concrete Structures,”
the durability and performance of the concrete. Individuals Technical Report No. 54, The Concrete Society, Blackwater,
making the survey should not limit their investigation to the Camberley, UK, 2000.
items listed, but should review any other contributing 6. “Corrosion of Steel in Concrete: Investigation and
factors. Following the guide does not eliminate the need for Assessment” BRE Digest 444, Part 2, in Concrete Repair
intelligent observations and the use of sound judgment. Manual, American Concrete Institute, Farmington Hills, MI,
Individuals performing the inspection should be experienced 2003, 2093 pp.
and competent in concrete condition surveys. In addition to 7. AASHTO, Manual for Condition Evaluation of Bridges,
written descriptions, sketches of relevant features are valuable second edition, AASHTO, Washington, DC, 2003.
and encouraged. Photographs, including a scale to indicate 8. “Distress Identification Manual for the Long-Term
dimensions, are of great value in showing the condition of Pavement Performance Project,” Strategic Highway Research
concrete. Video coverage should be considered for docu- Program SHRP-P-338, Federal Highway Administration,
mentation as it provides an enhanced visual dimension that may
Washington, DC, 1993.
exceed that of still photography.
The descriptions and photographs provided in Chapter 2 CHAPTER 2—DESCRIPTIONS OF DISTRESS
illustrate typical observations encountered during inspections Imperfections and distresses have been categorized and
and aid in the preparation of a condition survey report by illustrated by photographs, and their severity and extent of
identifying the characteristics of potential problems and occurrence ,have been ,quantified where possible.. The purpose of
the photographs is to standardize the reporting of
describing their condition. The checklist in Chapter 3 is
provided to assist the user to identify the characteristics of the condition of the concrete in a structure. Those
potential condition survey findings and their description. performing the survey should be thoroughly familiar with the
terminology of various types of imperfections and distresses.
1.3— References Figures are provided to illustrate the various types of defects
This guide should be used in conjunction with ACI and distresses, along with the cause of deterioration when
Concrete Terminology and the following American Concrete
known.
Institute documents.

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 GUIDE FOR CONDUCTING A VISUAL INSPECTION OF CONCRETE IN SERVICE 201.1R-3

(a)

Fig. 2.1.1—Cracks of varying widths.

Fig. 2.1.2.2(a) Craze cracking; and (b) craze cracking

highlighted with the aid of denatured alcohol.

2.1—Cracking 2.1.2.4 Diagonal crack—in a flexural member an

Crack—a complete or incomplete separation, of either inclined crack, caused by shear stress, usually at
concrete or masonry, into two or more parts produced by approximately
breaking or fracturing. 45 degrees to the axis; or a crack in a slab, not parallel to
Cracking of concrete should be reported based on crack either the lateral or longitudinal directions (Fig. 2.1.2.4(a)
widths and the type of crack. and (b)).
2.1.1 Crack widths—Examples of cracks of varying widths 2.1.2.5 Hairline cracks—cracks in an exposed-to-view
are shown in Fig. 2.1.1(a) and (b). concrete surface having widths so small as to be barely
2.1.2 Crack patterns perceptible.
2.1.2.1 Checking—development of shallow cracks at 2.1.2.6 Longitudinal cracks—a crack that develops
closely spaced but irregular intervals on the surface of plaster, parallel to the length of the member.
cement paste, mortar, or concrete. (See also cracks and 2.1.2.7 Map cracking—1) intersecting cracks that extend
crazing.) below the surface of hardened concrete; caused by shrinkage
2.1.2.2 Craze cracks—fine random cracks or fissures in a of the drying surface concrete that is restrained by concrete at
surface of plaster, cement paste, mortar, or concrete
(Fig. 2.1.2.2(a) and (b)). greater depths where either little or no shrinkage occurs; vary
in width from fine and barely visible to open and well-defined;
2.1.2.2.1 Crazing—the development of craze cracks;
or 2) the chief symptom of a chemical reaction between alkalis
the pattern of craze cracks existing in a surface. (See also
in cement and mineral constituents in aggregate within
checking and cracks.)
hardened concrete; due to differential
2.1.2.3 D-cracks—a series of cracks in concrete near and
roughly parallel to joints and edges (Fig. 2.1.2.3(a) and (b)).

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 201.1R-4 ACC OMMITTEB EPORT

(a)

Fig. 2.1.2.3—D-cracks: (a) fine; and (b) severe, with

spalling present.

Fig. 2.1.2.7—Map (pattern) cracking.

rate of volume change in different members of the concrete;
cracking is usually random and on a fairly large scale and, in
severe instances, the cracks may reach a width of 12.7 mm
(0.50 in.) (Fig. 2.1.2.7(a) and (b)). (See also checking and
crazing; also known as pattern cracking.)
2.1.2.8 Pattern cracking—cracking on concrete surfaces
in the form of a repeated sequence; resulting from a decrease
in volume of the material near the surface, or an increase in
volume of the material below the surface, or both. (See map
cracking.)
(a) 2.1.2.9 Plastic shrinkage cracking—cracking that occurs
in the surface of fresh concrete soon after it is placed and
while it is still plastic (Fig. 2.1.2.9(a) and (b)).
2.1.2.10 Random cracks—uncontrolled cracks that
develop at various directions away from the control joints.
2.1.2.11 Shrinkage cracking—cracking of a structure or
member due to failure in tension caused by external or
internal restraints as reduction in moisture content develops,
carbonation occurs, or both (Fig. 2.1.2.11).
2.1.2.12 Temperature cracking—cracking due to tensile
failure, caused by temperature drop in members subjected to
external restraints or by a temperature differential in
members subjected to internal restraints (Fig. 2.1.2.12).
Fig. 2.1.2.4—Diagonal cracking.

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 GUIDE FOR CONDUCTING A VISUAL INSPECTION OF CONCRETE IN SERVICE 201.1R-5

Fig. 2.1.2.12——Temperature cracking.

Fig. 2.2.2—Diagonal cracking due to curling of floor slab.

Fig. 2.1.2.9—(a) Plastic shrinkage cracking; and (b) plastic

shrinkage cracking, close-up.

Fig. 2.2.4—Deformation and spalling due to corrosion of

reinforcement.

material during either testing or exposure to service. (See also

disintegration.)
2.2.1 Chalking—formation of a loose powder resulting from
the disintegration of the surface of concrete or an applied coating,
such as cementitious coating.
2.2.2 Curling—the distortion of concrete member from its
Fig. 2.1.2.11—Shrinkage cracking. srcinal shape such as the warping of a slab due to differences in
temperature or moisture content in the zones adjacent to its
opposite faces (Fig. 2.2.2). (See also warping.)
2.1.2.13 Transverse cracks—cracks that occur across the 2.2.3 Deflection—movement of a point on a structure or
longer dimension of the member. structural element, usually measured as a linear displacement or
as succession displacements traverse to a reference line or axis.
2.2—Distress 2.2.4 Deformation—a change in dimension or shape (Fig.
Concrete distress should be reported based on visual 2.2.4).
observations of the deterioration.
Deterioration—1) physical manifestation of failure of a material
(for example, cracking, delamination, flaking, pitting, scaling,
spalling, and staining) caused by environmental or internal
autogenous influences on rock and hardened concrete as well as
other materials; or 2) decomposition of

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 201.1R-6 ACC OMMITTEB EPORT

Fig. 2.2.6(e)—Disintegration due to erosion and

abrasion.

Fig. 2.2.5—Delamination.

Fig. 2.2.6(f)—Disintegration due to erosion and cavitation

damage.
2.2.6 Disintegration—reduction into small fragments and
subsequently into particles (Fig. 2.2.6(a) through (f)). (See also
deterioration.)

Fig. 2.2.6(a)—Disintegration.

Fig. 2.2.6(b)—Disintegration from chemical attack.

2.2.5 Delamination—a separation along a plane parallel to

a surface, as in the case of a concrete slab, a horizontal
splitting, cracking, or separation within a slab in a plane
roughly parallel to, and generally near, the upper surface;
found most frequently in bridge decks and caused by the
corrosion of reinforcing steel or freezing and thawing; similar
to spalling, scaling, or peeling except that delamination affects
large areas and can often only be detected by nondestructive
tests, such as, tapping or , chain dragging (Fig. 2.2.5).

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Fig. 2.2.6(c)—Disintegration from chemical attack.

Fig. 2.2.6(d)—Disintegration of sewer pipe from biological

chemical attack.
 GUIDE FOR CONDUCTING A VISUAL INSPECTION OF CONCRETE IN SERVICE 201.1R-7

Fig. 2.2.9—Dusting.
Fig. 2.2.13.1—Joint spall.

2.2.13.1 Joint spall—a spall adjacent to a joint (Fig.

2.2.13.1).
2.2.13.2 Joint sealant failure—joints opened due to a
cracked and/or debonded sealant (Fig. 2.2.13.2).
2.2.13.3 Joint leakage—liquid migrating through the
joint.
2.2.13.4 Joint fault—differential displacement of a
portion of a structure along a joint.
2.2.14 Leakage—contained material is migrating through the
concrete member.
2.2.14.1 Leakage, liquid—liquid is migrating through the
concrete (Fig. 2.2.14.1).
2.2.14.2 Leakage, gas—gas is migrating through the
concrete.

Fig. 2.2.10—(a) Efflorescence staining; and (b)

cracking and efflorescence.

2.2.7 Distortion—see deformation.

2.2.8 Drummy area—area where there is a hollow
sound beneath a layer of concrete due to a delamination,
poor consolidation, or void. (See also delamination.)
2.2.9 Dusting—the development of a powdered
material at the surface of hardened concrete (Fig. 2.2.9).
(See also chalking.)
2.2.10 Efflorescence—a deposit of salts, usually white,
formed on a surface, the substance having emerged in solution
from within either concrete or masonry and subsequently been
precipitated by a reaction, such as carbonation or evaporation
(Fig. 2.2.10(a) and (b)).

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Fig. 2.2.13.2—Joint sealant failure.

2.2.11 Exfoliation—disintegration occurring by peeling off

in successive layers; swelling up, and opening into leaves or
plates like a partly opened book.
2.2.12 Exudation—a liquid or viscous gel-like material
discharged through a pore, crack, or opening in the surface of
concrete.
2.2.13 Joint deficiencies—expansion, contraction, and
construction joints not functioning in intended service
conditions.
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 GUIDE FOR CONDUCTING A VISUAL INSPECTION OF CONCRETE IN SERVICE 201.1R-9

Fig. 2.2.18.2—Medium popout.

Fig. 2.2.19.3—Severe scaling.

Fig. 2.2.18.3—Large popout.

Fig. 2.2.19.4—Very severe scaling.

2.2.19.1 Scaling, light—loss of surface mortar without

exposure of coarse aggregate.
2.2.19.2 Scaling, medium —loss of surface mortar 5 to 10
mm (0.2 to 0.4 in.) in depth and exposure of coarse aggregat
(Fig. 2.2.19.2).
2.2.19.3 Scaling, severe —loss of surface mortar 5 to 10
mm (0.2 to 0.4 in.) in depth with some loss of mortar
surrounding aggregate particles 10 to 20 mm (0.4 to 0.8 in.)
in depth (Fig. 2.2.19.3).
2.2.19.4Scaling, very severe—loss of coarse aggregate
particles as well as surface mortar, generally to a depth greater
than 20 mm (0.8 in.) (Fig. 2.2.19.4).
2.2.20 Spall—a fragment, usually in the shape of a flake,
detached from a concrete member by a blow, by the action of
weather, by pressure, by fire, or by expansion within the
larger mass.

Fig. 2.2.19.2—Medium scaling.

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 201.1R-10 ACC OMMITTEER EPORT

Fig. 2.3.2—Blistering.
Fig. 2.2.20.1—Small spall due to tie rod rusting.

2.2.20.2 Large spall—may be roughly circular or oval or,

in some cases, elongated, -ana is more than 20 mm
(0.8 in.) in depth and 150 mm (6 in.) in greatest dimension
(Fig. 2.2.20.2(a) and (b)).
2.2.21 Warping—out-of-plane deformation of the corners,
edges, and surface of a pavement, slab, or wall panel from its
srcinal shape. (See also curling.)
2.3—Textural features and phenomena relative to their
development
Textural features and phenomena should be reported
based on visual observations.
2.3.1 Air void—a space in cement paste, mortaror concrete
filled with air; an entrapped airvoid is characteristically 1 mm
(0.04 in.) or greater in size and irregular imhape; entrained air
void is typically between 10 ^m and 1 mm (0.04 mil and
0. 04 in.) in diameter and spherical or nearly so.
2.3.2 Blistering—the irregular raising of a thin layer at
the surface of placed mortar or concrete during or soon after
Fig. 2.2.20.2—(a) Large spall; and (b) spalling of concrete completion of the finishing operation; also, bulging of the
and rusting of reinforcement. finish plaster coat as it separates and draws away from the
base coat (Fig. 2.3.2).
2.2.20.1 Small spall—a roughly circular depression not 2.3.3 Bug holes—small regular or irregular cavities,
usually not exceeding 15 mm (0.6 in.) in diameter, resulting
greater than 20 mm (0.8 in.) in depth and 150 mm (6 in.) in
from entrapment of air bubbles at the surface of formed
any dimension (Fig. 2.2.20.1).
concrete during placement and consolidation (Fig. 2.3.3).
(Also known as surface air voids.)

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 GUIDE FOR CONDUCTING A VISUAL INSPECTION OF CONCRETE IN SERVICE 201.1R-11

Fig. 2.3.6—Discoloration.

Fig. 2.3.7—Honeycombing.

2.3.4 Cold joint—a joint or discontinuity resulting from a 2.3.8 Incrustation—a crust or coating, generally hard,
delay in placement of sufficient duration to preclude inter- formed on the surface of concrete or masonry construction or
mingling and bonding of the material in two successive lifts of on aggregate particles.
concrete, mortar, or the like. 2.3.9 Laitance—a layer of weak material known as
2.3.5 Cold-joint lines—visible lines on the surfaces of residue derived from cementitious material and aggregate
formed concrete indicating the presence of a cold joint where fines
one layer of concrete had hardened before subsequent
either: 1) carried by bleeding to the surface or to the internal
concrete was placed (Fig. 2.3.5). cavities of freshly placed concrete; or 2) separated from the
2.3.6 Discoloration—departure of color from that which is concrete and deposited on the concrete surface or internal
normal or desired (Fig. 2.3.6). (See also staining.) cavities during placement of concrete underwater.
2.3.7 Honeycomb—voids left in concrete due to failure of 2.3.10 Sand pocket—a zone in concrete or mortar
the mortar to effectively fill the spaces among coarse aggre- containing fine aggregate with little or no cement material.
gate particles (Fig. 2.3.7(a) and' (b)). ........................ 2.3.11 Sand streak—a streak of exposed fine aggregate in

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 201.1R-12 ACC OMMITTEER EPORT

the surface of formed concrete, caused by bleeding.

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 201.1R-13 ACC OMMITTEE EPORT

Fig. 2.3.14—Stalactite.
(a)

2.3.12 Segregation—the differential concentration of the

components of mixed concrete, aggregate, or the like, resulting in
nonuniform proportions in the mass.
2.3.13 Staining —discoloration by foreign matter (Fig.
2.3.13(a) through (c)).
2.3.14 Stalactite—a downward-pointing deposit formed as an
accretion of mineral matter produced by evaporation of dripping
liquid from the surface of concrete, commonly shaped like an icicle
(Fig. 2.3.14). (See also stalagmite.)
2.3.15 Stalagmite—an upward-pointing deposit formed as an
accretion of mineral matter produced byvaporation of dripping
liquid, projecting from the surface of rock or of concrete,
commonly roughly conical in shape. (See also stalactite.)
2.3.16Stratification —the separation of overwet or overvibrated
.concrete .into horizontal layers with increasingly lighter material
toward the top; water, laitance, mortar, and
coarse aggregate tend to occupy successively lower positions
in that order; a layered structure in concrete resulting from
placing of successive batches that differ in appearance;
occurrence in aggregate stockpiles of layers of differing
grading or composition; a layered structure in a rock foundation.

CHAPTER 3—VISUAL INSPECTION REPORT

AND CHECKLIST
Individuals conducting the visual inspection should select those
items important to the specific concerns relating to the reasons for
the inspection. Other items and factors not indicated in the
checklist may be involved and should not be overlooked during the
inspection. The Visual Inspection Form in the Appendix may be
used to document results of the inspection.
A final report should be prepared to document the results of the
completed inspection. The report should include the following as a
minimum:
(a) Names of individuals conducting inspection;
(b) Purpose of the inspection;
(c) Listing of available existing documentation for the
structure;
Fig. 2.3.13—(a) Staining from rust; (b) staining from potassium (d) Type, age, location, and general description of the
permanganate; and ( c) - staining-from
(c) ferric chloride. structure;
(e) Inspection techniques employed (for example, direct
visual inspection and chain drag);

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 201.1R-14 ACC OMMITTEE EPORT

(f) Field observations and extent of structure inspected; 2.3.5 Traffic

(g) Field tests employed and data collected, if 2.3.6 Seismic
applicable; 2.3.7 Other
(h) Conclusions and recommendations; and 2.4 Soils (foundation conditions)
(i) Annotated photographs and sketches. 2.4.1 Expansive soil
The first page of the report should include the name(s) of the 2.4.2 Compressible soil (settlement)
personnel participating in the inspection, including person in 2.4.3 Evidence of pumping
responsible charge, names of any subcontractors used (if 3. Distress indicators
applicable), date of the work, and weather conditions during
3.1 Cracking
the survey. The conclusions should include recommendations
3.2 Staining
for further testing and evaluation, if needed, to quantify any
3.3 Surface deposits and exudations
inspection observations, such as to assess the degree of internal
3.4 Leaking
degradation.
The visual inspection is often used as an introductory step 4. Present condition of structure
in the evaluation of a structure for structural capacity, such as 4.1 Overall apparent alignment of structure
to justify continued or altered use, to analyze in-place
4.1.1 Settlement
strength or deformation, or to define the need for maintenance
4.1.2 Deflection
and rehabilitation. The related ACI reports listed in Chapter 1
should be reviewed to obtain additional guidance before 4.1.3 Expansion
mobilization, particularly if the survey is part of a more 4.1.4 Contraction
encompassing evaluation. 4.2 Surface condition of concrete
4.2.1 General conditions (good, satisfactory, poor)
Checklist 4.2.2 Formed and finished surfaces
1. Description of structure 4.2.2.1 Smoothness
1. 1 Name, location, type, and size 4.2.2.2 Bugholes (surface air voids)
1.2 Owner, project engineer, contractor, date(s) of 4.2.2.3 Sand streaks
construction 4.2.2.4 Honeycomb
1.3 Photographs 4.2.2.5 Soft areas
1.3.1 General view 4.2.2.6 Cold joints
1.3.2 Detailed close-up of condition of area 4.2.2.7 Staining
1.4 Sketch map-orientation indicating the sunny and shady
4.2.3 Cracking
areas and the well and poorly drained regions
4.2.3.1 Location and frequency 44..22..33..23
2. Nature of environmental and loading conditions
4.2.3.4 L
2.1 Exposure idthani pattern (see descriptions)
eachin
2.1.1 Environment: arid, subtropical, marine, freshwater,
g, stalactites
industrial, etc.
4.2.3.5 Working versus nonworking (dormant)
2.1.2 Weather (July and January mean temperatures,
4.2.4 Scaling
mean annual rainfall, and months in which 60% of
4.2.4.1 Area, depth
rainfall occurs)
2.1.3 Freezing and thawing 4.2.4.2 Type (see definitions)
2.1.4 Wetting and drying 4.2.5 Spalls and popouts
2.1.5 Drying under dry atmosphere 4.2.5.1 Number, size, and depth
2.1.6 Chemical corrosion and attack: sulfates, acids, 4.2.5.2 Type (see definitions)
bases, chloride, gases 4.2.6 Stains, efflorescence
2.1.7 Abrasion, erosion, cavitation, impact 4.2.7 Exposed reinforcement
2.1.8 Electric conductivity 4.2.7.1 Corrosion
2.1.9 Deicing chemicals that contain chloride ions 4.2.8 Curling and warping
2.1.10 Heat from adjacent sources 4.2.9 Erosion
2.2 Drainage 4.2.9.1 Abrasion
2.2.1 Flashing 4.2.9.2 Cavitation
2.2.2 Joint sealants 4.2.10 Previous patching or other repair
2.2.3 Weepholes 4.2.11 Surface coating/protcetive systems/hings/
2.2.4 Contour toppings
2.2.5 Elevation of drains 4.2.11.1 Type and thickness
2.3 Loading conditions 4.2.11.2 Bond to concrete
2.3.1 Dead 4.2.11.3 Condition
2.3.2 Live 4.2.12 Penetrating sealers
2.3.3 Impact 4.2.12.1 Type
2.3.4 Vibration 4.2.12.2 Effectiveness
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4.2.12.3 Discoloration
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 GUIDE FOR CONDUCTING A VISUAL INSPECTION OF CONCRETE IN SERVICE 201.1R-15

APPENDIX

VISUAL INSPECTION FORM

Report number
1.
GENERAL Purpose of inspection
Inspector’s name(s)
Name
Location

Type
Size
Owner
1A.
Project engineer
DESCRIPTION OF THE Contractor
STRUCTURE
Date(s) of construction
General view
Photographs
Detailed close-up of condition of area
Sketch map orientation indicating sunny
and shady areas and well and poorly
drained regions
Normalweight aggregate type
Aggregate size
113. MATERIALS = Admixture type
Concrete
USED (if known)
Mixture prop ortion
Compressive strength
Modulus of elasticity
Environment (arid, subtropical, marine,
freshwater, industrial, etc.)
Weather (July and Jan. mean temperatures, mean
annual rainfall, and months in which 60% of
rainfall occurs)
Freezing and thawing
Wetting and drying
Exposure Drying under dry atmosphere
Chemical corrosion and attack (sulfates, acids,
bases, chloride, gases)
Abrasion, erosion, cavitation, impact
Electric conductivity

Deicing chemicals that contain chloride ions

2. Heat from adjacent sources
NATURE OF
ENVIRONMENTAL Flashing
AND LOADING Joint sealants
CONDITIONS
Drainage Weepholes
Contour

Elevation of drains
Dead
Live

Impact
Loading conditions Vibration
Traffic
Seismic

Other
Expansive soil
Soils (foundation conditions) Compressible soil (settlement)
Evidence of pumping
Cracking
3. Staining
DISTRESS
INDICATORS Surface deposits and exudations
Leaking

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 201.1R-16 ACC OMMITTEE EPORT

VISUAL INSPECTION FORM

Settlement
Overall apparent alignment of Deflection
structure
Expansion
Contraction
General condition: good, satisfactory, poor
Smoothness

Bugholes (surface air

voids)
Sand streaks
Formed and finished surfaces Honeycomb
Soft areas

Cold joints
Staining
Location and
frequency
Crack map
Cracking Width and pattern
4.
PRESENT Leaching, stalactites
CONDITION OF Working versus
STRUCTURE nonworking
Surface condition of concrete (dormant)

Scaling Area, depth

Type
No., size, and depth
Spalls and popouts
Type
Stains, efflorescence
Exposed reinforcement: corrosion
Curling and warping
Abrasion
Erosion
Cavitation
Previous patching or other repair

Surface coatings, protective systems, linings, toppings Bond to concrete

Condition
Type
Penetrating sealers Effectiveness

Discoloration

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 American
Concrete
Institute*
Advancing
concrete
knowledge
As ACI begins its second century of advancing concrete knowledge, its srcinal chartered purpose remains “to
provide a comradeship in finding the best ways to do concrete work of all kinds and in spreading knowledge.” In
keeping with this purpose, ACI supports the following activities:

■ Technical committees that produce consensus reports, guides, specifications, and codes.

■ Spring and fall conventions to facilitate the work of its committees.

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■ Student programs such as scholarships, internships, and competitions.

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Benefits of membership include a subscription to Concrete International and to an ACI Journal. ACI members
receive discounts of up to 40% on all ACI products and services, including documents, seminars and convention
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As a member of ACI, you join thousands of practitioners and professionals worldwide who share a commitment to
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Phone: U.S.A.
Fax: 248-848-3700
248-848-3701 org
www.concret
e.

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 Guide for Conducting a Visual Inspection
of Concrete in Service

The AMERICAN CONCRETE INSTITUTE

was founded in 1904 as a nonprofit membership organization dedicated to public
service and representing the user interest in the field of concrete. ACI gathers and
distributes information on the improvement of design, construction and maintenance
of concrete products and structures. The work of ACI is conducted by individual ACI
members and through volunteer committees composed of both members and non-
members.
The committees, as well as ACI as a whole, operate under a consensus format, which
assures all participants the right to have their views considered. Committee activities
include the development of building codes and specifications; analysis of research
and development results; presentation of construction and repair techniques; and
education.
Individuals interested in the activities of ACI are encouraged to become a member.
There are no educational or employment requirements. ACI's membership is
composed of engineers, architects, scientists, contractors, educators, and
representatives from a variety of companies and organizations.
Members are encouraged to participate in committee activities that relate to their
specific areas of interest. For more information, contact ACI.

www.concrete.org

American
Concrete
Institute*
Advancing
concrete
knowledge

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> from IHS