Dynamic Poisson's ratio of portland cement paste, mortar and concrete

Abstract

Tests are reported to determine the Poisson's ratio of hardened paste, mortar and concrete from longitudinal and torsional resonant frequencies and from pulse velocity. It is shown that Poisson's ratio depends on the mix proportions, the type of aggregate and its Poisson's ratio, and the aggregate volume content. Pulse velocity Poisson's ratio is more consistent and greater than that obtained from longitudinal and torsional resonant frequencies. The considerable scatter found in Poisson's ratio values obtained from resonant frequency tests is shown to be due to anisotropy and the imperfectly elastic behaviour of the paste, mortar and concrete.