Non-Destructive Evaluation of Concrete using Ultrasonic Pulse Velocity

Concrete is a composite material which happens to have a very complex

characteristic. It can have different proportions of aggregated, water, and cement, that
may be adjusted to have the best strength design possible. Like for example, for high
strength and low permeability, the concrete mix should have a low water-cement ratio.
Concrete aggregates may also be changed according to the designed sie of coarse and
fine aggregates. !his is when "ltrasonic #ulse $elocity comes in. "#$ is a popular non-
destructive test that is used in assesing concrete properties.
!he main focus of this study was to investigate the relationship present between the
"ltrasonic #ulse $elocity and the compresive strength of concrete, and to further
understand the influence that is observed in relation with the mixture proportion and the
age of concrete to the "#$ and compressive strength.
!he analysis shows that using "#$ and strength growth rates of concrete having
high or low w%c, shows a distinct difference at a very early stage of its curing. &s a result,
a clear definition regarding the relationship between "#$ and concrete strength having
different w%c. It is essential to first disregard the interference mainly caused by different
"#$ and strength growth rates of concrete during its early stages. !he e'uations that
were derived through the simulation of curves can be used in the determination of
concrete strengths with respect to its mix proportions.