Non-destructive assessment of concrete deterioration by ultrasonic pulse velocity: A review

Abstract

As concrete structures age, concrete quality tends to deteriorate for reasons which include frost damage, acid attack, sulphate attack, fire damage or as a result of bad construction practice. Thus, these effects develop as distresses thereby undermining the general performance of a structure. Result from Ultrasonic Pulse Velocity (UPV) test is inevitably affected by the properties of the concrete under test which contributes in abating the test results. Hence, this paper reviews the UPV test by considering arrangement options and common factors which affect the result obtained from the test and attempts to make recommendations to obtaining reliable results. Out of several conclusions drawn, it is worthy to mention that the direct arrangement for conducting UPV test was found to be the most suitable. In addition, the UPV test was learnt to be poor in assessing concrete strength but when combined with a Rebound Hammer Test, which is also Non-destructive, the result is substantiated.