Introduction. As a result of the military aggression of the Russian Federation against Ukraine, there is an urgent need to restore damaged and destroyed structures. Depending on the material of the span structure, bridges are divided into reinforced concrete, metal, steel-reinforced concrete, stone and wooden. Reinforced concrete bridges are the most common in Ukraine. Such structures account for almost 94 % of the total number of all bridges. Even if the bridge span is made of metal beams, such structures often have a reinforced concrete overlay slab, which means that reinforced concrete is also an integral load-bearing part of the bridge that requires proper maintenance during operation and, if necessary, repair or restoration work. In order to determine the technical condition of span structures, it is first of all necessary to inspect the structure. Typically, the list of inspection activities includes testing the concrete of structures for compressive strength. Therefore, determining the physical and mechanical characteristics of concrete is an integral part of planning for major repairs, reconstruction or new construction.
This paper investigates different methods for determining the concrete strength of bridge elements. The accuracy of the results of different methods in laboratory conditions is analyzed.
Problem statement. The use of a particular method has its advantages and disadvantages, which, in turn, can affect the accuracy of the data obtained.
Objective. To analyze different methods for determining the strength of concrete. To compare the data obtained and determine which methods of research are the most accurate.
Materials and methods. To conduct the experiments, the state standards and regulations in force in Ukraine, as well as available resources and databases on the Internet are used.
Results. Laboratory tests of concrete samples were carried out, the results obtained were analyzed, and recommendations for the use of various methods for determining the strength of concrete were given.
Conclusions. The values obtained during the research provide information on the most accurate methods for determining the strength of concrete.
