Development of methods for monitoring and predicting the strength of concrete at an early age by acoustic emission method

Abstract

Introduction. The description of the main results of the research work carried out in JSC Research Center of Construction on the topic “Development of methods for monitoring and predicting the strength of concrete at an early age by acoustic emission method” is given.Aim. The aim of the work is to obtain experimental data for the development of methods for monitoring and predicting the strength of concrete at an early age by acoustic emission.Materials and methods. The research was carried out on concrete mixtures made of heavy and fine-grained concrete with mineral and chemical additives. In the process of concrete hardening the acoustic emission method was used. Acoustic emission monitoring was carried out continuously for several days.Results. According to the results of the study, the most informative parameters of acoustic emission data that correlate with the strength of concrete have been identified. Automated algorithms for concrete strength monitoring have been developed. Based on the results of measuring the propagation velocity of acoustic waves and the decrease in the attenuation coefficient of acoustic signals, as well as the output of these values to the plateau, the periods of completion of setting of concrete mixtures are determined. During the experiments optimal frequency characteristics of acoustic emission sensors were determined.Conclusions. The results of the research allow us to introduce into the practice of construction a new approach for monitoring the strength properties of concrete during its hardening using the acoustic emission method. Proposed approach can be carried out remotely, without the presence of an operator. The advantages of this approach also include its use in hard-to-reach places where the use of other testing methods is difficult.