Water Content Effect on Concrete Response in UPV Tests

Author(s): Biondi S, Valente C and Zuccarino L
Paper category: Proceedings
Book title: Proceedings of the 71st RILEM Annual Week & ICACMS 2017,Chennai,India, 3rd -8th September 2017
Editor(s): Manu Santhanam
Ravindra Gettu
Radhakrishna G. Pillai
Sunitha K. Nayar
ISBN: 978-2-35158-196-4
ISBN: 978-2-35158-190-2 (Set)
e-ISBN: 978-2-35158-191-9:
Publisher: Published by RILEM Publications S.A.R.L.
Publication year: 2017
Pages: 338-343
Total Pages: 6
Language : English

Abstract: One main feature of previous literature results concerning ultrasonic pulse velocity (UPV) tests
is that direct to indirect UPV test results could be very different. Differences depend strongly
on in-situ concrete conditions and humidity level while they depend to a lesser extent on test
apparatus and operator skill. The authors have studied in the past the in-situ conditions
influence on UPV. Currently, this influence is studied using laboratory specimens to work in
more controlled environment. The results show that if the water content in concrete is
disregarded, the usual survey techniques (like SonReb approach) could fail dramatically. In

particular, it is possible to point out that the ratio of direct to indirect UPV test results is pseudo-
linear with humidity. In dry specimens, the UPV values of indirect tests are lower than the
direct ones; while in wet specimens the UPV values of indirect tests are quite the same as the
direct ones. Consequently, a correlation between in-situ to laboratory humidity level is of
paramount importance for a correct use of the UPV test results to assess the concrete quality.
A control of in-situ humidity level has to be considered mandatory for a correct approach to
this kind of NDT test.

Online publication : 2017
Publication type : full_text
Public price (Euros) : 0.00