Testing foundations with a hammer

[vincentianpinner]

Hello, I remember reading on here a quick way of testing foundations is hitting it with a hammer. I'm talking about doing it yourself not using specific equipment or companies. We're hoping that would be good enough as the foundations aren't very old and are deep and wide enough for modern buildings regs.
Obviously I'd have liked to hit it hard with any type of hammer and not left any sign of damage. Unfortunately a claw hammer does leave at least a mark and a bit chips away. Admittedly the concrete isn't particularly smooth and flat which might not help but is what I've described so far a sign that turning a one storey into a two storey is unlikely. Thanks.

 

[noseall]

Hello, I remember reading on here a quick way of testing foundations is hitting it with a hammer. I'm talking about doing it yourself not using specific equipment or companies. We're hoping that would be good enough as the foundations aren't very old and are deep and wide enough for modern buildings regs.
Obviously I'd have liked to hit it hard with any type of hammer and not left any sign of damage. Unfortunately a claw hammer does leave at least a mark and a bit chips away. Admittedly the concrete isn't particularly smooth and flat which might not help but is what I've described so far a sign that turning a one storey into a two storey is unlikely. Thanks.

I have never had a BCO or a Structural Engineer, base their suitability of existing foundations on a hammer strike, no.

Gound conditions, concrete depth and thickness are what is important. You'll need to get the shovel out.