Estimating strength properties of self-compacting concrete incorporating cementitious materials based on ultrasonic waves

Abstract

Non-destructive testing (NDT) of concrete to evaluate its properties has been observed getting attention increasingly in many countries. One of such NDT method is ultrasonic pulse velocity (UPV) test. However, limited amount of research have been reported to investigate properties of self-compacting concrete (SCC) where Portland cement is replaced by pozzolanic materials Therefore, this study aims to investigate the influence of replacement of cement by four pozzolanic materials in the production of SCC. In achieving the aim of the study, treated alum sludge (TAS), silica fume (SF), fly ash (FA) and natural zeolite (NZ) were used to replace cement in the experimental work. Results showed that the values of UPV indicate the changes in the strength by increasing in strength with the period. UPV and the crushing compressive strength of SCC are inter-related, and the correlation coefficient was determined for the proposed equations. There was no unique relationship can be established to cover all SCC specimens. However, it is observed that with a specific level of water to cement ratio as well as a range of strengths, certain clear relationships can be established and used without a need of the destructive test.