Abstract
An ultrasonic pulse velocity (UPV) test is often applied to determine the quality of concrete structures. It is well known that there are several factors which can influence the reading of ultrasonic velocity in concrete. One of the factors is the presence of steel reinforcement. Therefore, this paper is intended to evaluate the ultrasonic pulse velocity propagation either in plain or reinforced damaged concrete. A study on sound concrete is also provided as a comparison. Three mixes of concrete were provided, with 25 MPa, 35 MPa, and 45 MPa target compressive strengths. The specimens were 200x200x200 mm cube concrete specimens and 100x150x1100 mm reinforced concrete beam specimens. Each specimen was examined for velocity readings in sound and damaged concrete (25% and 50% of maximum load). In all concrete grades of both plain and reinforced concrete, the ultrasonic velocity decreases as the damage level increases. During intact conditions, the velocity of reinforced concrete is around 4.5% higher than that of plain concrete. However, damaged reinforced concrete has a lower velocity than plain damaged concrete. Furthermore, a new equation for predicting ultrasonic pulse velocity in reinforced concrete is proposed.
Highlights
The ultrasonic pulse velocity method is a form of non-destructive testing in materials
4.1 Ultrasonic pulse velocity of plain damaged concrete In all concrete grades, the ultrasonic velocity decreases as the damage level increases
Lower graded concrete shows a better performance of wave propagation in each damage level. 4.2 Ultrasonic pulse velocity of reinforced damaged concrete Similar to plain concrete, in all concrete grades, the ultrasonic velocity decreases as the damage level increases
Summary
The ultrasonic pulse velocity method is a form of non-destructive testing in materials. In concrete application, this method has been used successfully for more than 60 years [1]. The use of ultrasonic testing enables the users to predict in situ concrete compressive strength and the dynamic modulus of elasticity [1,2]. The principle technique of ultrasonic testing is through recording wave propagation in concrete materials. An ultrasonic wave pulse through the concrete is produced by a transmitter sensor at a point on the concrete surface and received by a receiver sensor on another surface. The travelling time between points is measured. The length between two sensors is known, allowing for the determination of velocity [1]
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