Use of ultrasonic pulse velocity to estimate strength of concrete at various ages

Abstract

This study used the ultrasonic pulse velocity (UPV) technique to evaluate the in-place strength of concrete at various ages. Both UPV and strength of concrete increase with age, and the relationship between UPV and compressive strength has been investigated for decades. Previous research results have indicated that the density of concrete is linked positively to UPV and compressive strength. It has also been found that the amount of coarse aggregate and the moisture content of concrete have a significant influence on pulse velocity, but little effect on strength. In this work, a study was carried out to develop a general relationship between UPV and compressive strength of concrete in consideration of multiple variables such as age, coarse aggregate content and moisture content. The suitability of the established relationship for estimating the strength of concrete at various ages was also evaluated. The results obtained from the verification programme carried out on a concrete plate specimen show that the effect of moisture content on UPV must be taken into account for a better estimate of concrete strength with the UPV technique.