Ultrasonic Pulse Velocity and Morphology of High Strength Concrete with PVC Waste Aggregate

Abstract

In this paper, morphology and ultrasonic pulse velocity (UPV) of high strength concrete with a relatively high ratio of condensed silica fume and PVC waste aggregate as sand replacement have been examined. The plastic aggregate was obtained from shredding PVC waste sheets used for secondary roofing and covering walls. Variables tested were PVC plastic grading and ratio of sand replacement with such plastic, in addition to curing time of concrete. Results of scanning electron microscopy showed that there is a good bond between PVC aggregate particles and hardened cement paste. There was a relatively small reduction of UPV value of concrete, increased with increasing PVC aggregate content, reached 14.3% at 40% PVC content. The UPV lost is slightly increased with increasing concrete age from 7 days to 56 days. Results also showed that the effect of PVC aggregate grading on the residual UPV is not important. Based on the measured residual properties of high strength with silica fume and PVC granules, there is a high degree of silica fume hydration and the existence of PVC particles has no effect on such hydration.