The level of axial compressive load on an existing column is one of the most important parameters to be known. This thesis aims to investigate current state of the art of NDT techniques, their application, and investigate alternative ways of using current technology to estimate the axial compressive load on columns. For this purpose, transverse vibration technique, ultrasonic pulse velocity method, and waveform and frequency content evaluation of ultrasound are investigated and implemented. Analytical and experimental studies on column transverse vibration frequency and axial load relationship are conducted and presented. The measured experimental lateral vibration frequency of the first bending mode decreased under increased axial compressive load as expected from analytical studies. Relationships between axial load and vibration frequency are derived and defined for different boundary conditions. Relationship charts are prepared for complicated solution sets. Numerical calculations, laboratory and field tests revealed that natural frequencies of slender columns are more sensitive to axial load changes. The available ultrasonic methods are investigated and described. Stress wave propagation in anisotropic solids is studied. Previous works have shown that the propogation velocity of stress waves depends on the density, Poisson&rsquo / s ratio, modulus of elasticity of the medium, and the state of stress. The orientation of the loading direction to the wave propogation direction, the couplant (ultrasonic transmission gel) uniformity, variability in the pressure applied to hold the transducers, alignment of the transmitting and recieving transducers, accuracy and modelling of Poisson&rsquo / s ratio make the ultrasonic testing more complicated.

Fresh properties of mortars are important factors in altering the performance of self compacting concrete (SCC). Measurement of the rheological properties of the fine mortar part of concrete is generally used in the mix design of SCC. It can be stated that SCC rheology can be optimized if the fine mortar part of concrete is designed properly. However, measurement of the rheological properties is often impractical due to the need for complex equipment. Therefore, more practical methods of assessing mortar workability are often preferred. In this study, four mineral admixtures, three superplasticizers (SP) and two viscosity modifying admixtures (VMA) were used to prepare self compacting mortar (SCM). The mineral admixtures included fly-ash, brick powder, limestone powder, and kaolinite. Two of the SPs were polycarboxylate based and another one was melamine formaldehyde based. One of the viscosity modifying admixtures was based on an aqueous dispersion of microscopic silica and the other one was based on high molecular weight hydroxylated polymer. Within the scope of the experimental program, 43 mixes of SCM were prepared from different materials with keeping the amount of mixing water constant. Workability of the fresh mortar were determined using V - funnel and slump flow tests. The setting time of the mortars, were also determined. The hardened properties that were determined included the ultrasonic pulse velocity (UPV) and the strength which was determined at 7, 28, and 56 days. It was concluded that among the mineral admixtures used, only fly-ash and limestone powder increased the workability of the mixes. The two polycarboxylate based SPs yield approximately the same workability and the melamine formaldehyde based SP was not as effective as the other two.

O refinamento dos poros, associado à reação pozolânica e ao efeito filer, reduz a permeabilidade do concreto com cinza de casca de arroz (CCA), o que pode antecipar a sua degradação em altas temperaturas. A literatura mostra que o concreto reidratado em água pode recuperar substancialmente a sua resistência inicial, porém, os estudos sobre a reidratação ao ar e sobre a influência do modo de resfriamento na reidratação são escassos. A pesquisa desenvolvida teve como principal objetivo avançar na análise experimental de concretos convencional e com CCA em altas temperaturas e na reidratação. Na etapa exploratória se avaliou a influência da temperatura de exposição, da adição mineral, do ambiente de acondicionamento, da taxa de aquecimento e do tempo de exposição na resistência à compressão e módulo de elasticidade. Na etapa principal se avaliou a influência do modo de resfriamento, da adição e da idade de reidratação na resistência residual. Complementarmente se utilizou o ensaio de velocidade de pulso ultrassônico (VPU) para avaliar o grau de microfissuração e correlacionar a VPU com as propriedades mecânicas residuais. Na etapa exploratória concluiu-se que a adição, a temperatura, a taxa de aquecimento e o tempo de exposição influenciaram significativamente os resultados. O concreto com CCA cristalina apresentou pior desempenho em altas temperaturas. O concreto com CCA amorfa apresentou desempenho ligeiramente inferior ao concreto convencional em 200°C, devido ao efeito da poro-pressão. No entanto, ambas as CCA podem ser alternativas viáveis considerando sustentabilidade. Na etapa principal, o resfriamento brusco com água provocou maior redução na resistência devido aos gradientes térmicos, porém, permitiu maior recuperação logo nos primeiros sete dias de reidratação. Apesar da recuperação parcial, a resistência ao fim de 154 dias foi inferior a 40% do valor inicial. Nas análises térmicas e de DRX foi possível observar nos concretos resfriados com água a recristalização dos aluminatos de cálcio, do C-S-H e da portlandita, em maior grau no concreto convencional. Foi possível observar correlações fortes entre as variáveis de resposta na etapa exploratória, porém, o mesmo não ocorreu na etapa principal, devido à fissuração e presença de água nos poros. / The pore refinement, associated with the pozzolanic reaction and the filler effect, reduces the permeability of blended concrete with rice husk ash (RHA), which can anticipate its degradation at high temperatures. The literature shows that concrete rehydrated with water can recover substantially its initial strength, but studies on rehydration in air and on the influence of the cooling method on rehydration are scarce. The main objective of this research was to evaluate the performance at high temperatures and in rehydration of conventional and blended concretes with RHA. In the exploratory stage, the influence of exposure temperature, mineral admixture, conditioning environment, heating rate and exposure time on residual strength and modulus of elasticity of heated concrete was evaluated. In the main stage, the influence of cooling method, mineral admixture and time of rehydration in an unsaturated environment on residual strength of concrete was evaluated. The ultrasonic pulse velocity test (UPV) was used to evaluate the degree of micro cracking of concrete and to correlate the UPV with residual strength and modulus. In the exploratory stage it was concluded that mineral admixture, temperature, heating rate and time of exposure significantly influenced the results. In general, concrete with partially crystalline RHA presented the worst performance at high temperatures. Concrete with amorphous RHA presented worse performance than conventional concrete only at 200°C, due to the pore-pressure effect. Despite these results, RHA can be a viable option considering sustainability and high temperatures performance. In the main stage, the rapid cooling with water caused a greater reduction in strength, due to thermal gradients, however, caused a greater strength recovery in the first seven days of rehydration. Despite this partial recovery, the final strength of both concretes after 154 days of rehydration was less than 40% of the initial value. In water-cooled concretes thermal and XRD analyzes show recrystallization of the calcium aluminates, C-S-H and portlandite, to a greater degree in conventional concrete. In the exploratory stage it was possible to observe strong correlations between the independent variables; however, the same did not occur in the main stage, due to cracking and to the presence of water in the pores.

O refinamento dos poros, associado à reação pozolânica e ao efeito filer, reduz a permeabilidade do concreto com cinza de casca de arroz (CCA), o que pode antecipar a sua degradação em altas temperaturas. A literatura mostra que o concreto reidratado em água pode recuperar substancialmente a sua resistência inicial, porém, os estudos sobre a reidratação ao ar e sobre a influência do modo de resfriamento na reidratação são escassos. A pesquisa desenvolvida teve como principal objetivo avançar na análise experimental de concretos convencional e com CCA em altas temperaturas e na reidratação. Na etapa exploratória se avaliou a influência da temperatura de exposição, da adição mineral, do ambiente de acondicionamento, da taxa de aquecimento e do tempo de exposição na resistência à compressão e módulo de elasticidade. Na etapa principal se avaliou a influência do modo de resfriamento, da adição e da idade de reidratação na resistência residual. Complementarmente se utilizou o ensaio de velocidade de pulso ultrassônico (VPU) para avaliar o grau de microfissuração e correlacionar a VPU com as propriedades mecânicas residuais. Na etapa exploratória concluiu-se que a adição, a temperatura, a taxa de aquecimento e o tempo de exposição influenciaram significativamente os resultados. O concreto com CCA cristalina apresentou pior desempenho em altas temperaturas. O concreto com CCA amorfa apresentou desempenho ligeiramente inferior ao concreto convencional em 200°C, devido ao efeito da poro-pressão. No entanto, ambas as CCA podem ser alternativas viáveis considerando sustentabilidade. Na etapa principal, o resfriamento brusco com água provocou maior redução na resistência devido aos gradientes térmicos, porém, permitiu maior recuperação logo nos primeiros sete dias de reidratação. Apesar da recuperação parcial, a resistência ao fim de 154 dias foi inferior a 40% do valor inicial. Nas análises térmicas e de DRX foi possível observar nos concretos resfriados com água a recristalização dos aluminatos de cálcio, do C-S-H e da portlandita, em maior grau no concreto convencional. Foi possível observar correlações fortes entre as variáveis de resposta na etapa exploratória, porém, o mesmo não ocorreu na etapa principal, devido à fissuração e presença de água nos poros. / The pore refinement, associated with the pozzolanic reaction and the filler effect, reduces the permeability of blended concrete with rice husk ash (RHA), which can anticipate its degradation at high temperatures. The literature shows that concrete rehydrated with water can recover substantially its initial strength, but studies on rehydration in air and on the influence of the cooling method on rehydration are scarce. The main objective of this research was to evaluate the performance at high temperatures and in rehydration of conventional and blended concretes with RHA. In the exploratory stage, the influence of exposure temperature, mineral admixture, conditioning environment, heating rate and exposure time on residual strength and modulus of elasticity of heated concrete was evaluated. In the main stage, the influence of cooling method, mineral admixture and time of rehydration in an unsaturated environment on residual strength of concrete was evaluated. The ultrasonic pulse velocity test (UPV) was used to evaluate the degree of micro cracking of concrete and to correlate the UPV with residual strength and modulus. In the exploratory stage it was concluded that mineral admixture, temperature, heating rate and time of exposure significantly influenced the results. In general, concrete with partially crystalline RHA presented the worst performance at high temperatures. Concrete with amorphous RHA presented worse performance than conventional concrete only at 200°C, due to the pore-pressure effect. Despite these results, RHA can be a viable option considering sustainability and high temperatures performance. In the main stage, the rapid cooling with water caused a greater reduction in strength, due to thermal gradients, however, caused a greater strength recovery in the first seven days of rehydration. Despite this partial recovery, the final strength of both concretes after 154 days of rehydration was less than 40% of the initial value. In water-cooled concretes thermal and XRD analyzes show recrystallization of the calcium aluminates, C-S-H and portlandite, to a greater degree in conventional concrete. In the exploratory stage it was possible to observe strong correlations between the independent variables; however, the same did not occur in the main stage, due to cracking and to the presence of water in the pores.

The diploma thesis deals with non-destructive testing of concrete as well as with the relationship between determined parameters and the compressive strength of concrete. The thesis is mainly focused on the ultrasonic pulse velocity method and the rebound hammer test. The experimental part of the thesis describes non-destructive tests performed on concrete blocks. The compressive strength was tested on the drill cores taken from the concrete blocks. The aim of this thesis is to find regression models of the relationship between the compressive strength and non-destructive parameters, and the subsequent analysis of the results.

Compressive strength is one of the most monitored parameter of hardened concrete and it is usually determinated by destructive testing. Non-destructive testing applied on existing constructions uses regression analysis to estimate compressive strength. High variability of outputs and eventually failure of necessary requirements for using regression analysis complicate these methods. The aim of this thesis is to show posibility of using fuzzy clustering in this topic and to compare outputs with classic methods.

There has been increasing interest in evaluating the performance of existing reinforced concrete (RC) bridges just after natural disasters or man-made events especially when the defects are invisible, or in quantifying the improvement after rehabilitations. In order to obtain an accurate assessment of the reliability of a RC bridge, it is critical to incorporate information about its current structural properties, which reflects the possible aging and deterioration. This dissertation proposes to develop an adaptive reliability analysis of RC bridges incorporating the damage detection information obtained from nondestructive testing (NDT). In this study, seismic fragility is used to describe the reliability of a structure withstanding future seismic demand. It is defined as the conditional probability that a seismic demand quantity attains or exceeds a specified capacity level for given values of earthquake intensity. The dissertation first develops a probabilistic capacity model for RC columns and the capacity model can be used when the flexural stiffness decays nonuniformly over a column height. Then, a general methodology to construct probabilistic seismic demand models for RC highway bridges with one single-column bent is presented. Next, a combination of global and local NDT methods is proposed to identify in-place structural properties. The global NDT uses the dynamic responses of a structure to assess its global/equivalent structural properties and detect potential damage locations. The local NDT uses local measurements to identify the local characteristics of the structure. Measurement and modeling errors are considered in the application of the NDT methods and the analysis of the NDT data. Then, the information obtained from NDT is used in the probabilistic capacity and demand models to estimate the seismic fragility of the bridge. As an illustration, the proposed probabilistic framework is applied to a reinforced concrete bridge with a one-column bent. The result of the illustration shows that the proposed framework can successfully provide the up-to-date structural properties and accurate fragility estimates.

Pour évaluer la résistance mécanique du béton dans un ouvrage existant, la méthodologie courante combine des mesures non destructives (CND) comme le rebond ou/et la vitesse des ondes ultrasoniques avec la technique destructive (carottes) afin de produire une relation‘‘modèle de conversion” entre la résistance mécanique et les mesures CND. Le modèle de conversion est utilisé pour estimer la valeur locale de résistance mécanique à chaque emplacement de test en utilisant la valeur CND correspondante. Ensuite, on calcule les estimations de la résistance moyenne et/ou de l’écart-type de la résistance (variabilité de la résistance du béton). Cependant, la fiabilité d’estimation est toujours discutable en raison des incertitudes associées à l’évaluation de la résistance basée sur les mesures CND. Pour améliorer la fiabilité, les incertitudes doivent être réduites en spécifiant et en contrôlant leurs facteurs d’influence. Par conséquent, l’objectif de cette thèse est d’analyser la méthodologie d’évaluation courante afin de fournir des recommandations pratiques qui peuvent améliorer la fiabilité de l’évaluation de la résistance in-situ du béton dans les ouvrages existantes par des tests non destructifs et des carottes.Pour ce but, un simulateur a été construit afin d’analyser les effets des facteurs les plus influents en utilisant une vaste campagne de données provenant de sources différentes (études in situ ou en laboratoire et données synthétiques générées). La première contribution de ce travail est le développement d’une nouvelle approche d’identification du modèle ‘‘bi-objectif” qui peut efficacement capturer la variabilité de la résistance mécanique en plus de la moyenne. Après avoir étudié l’effet du mode de sélection des emplacements pour les carottes, une méthode a été proposée pour sélectionner ces emplacements en fonction des mesures CND ‘‘sélection conditionnelle” qui améliore la qualité de l’évaluation sans coût supplémentaire. Une dernière innovation est l’établissement de courbes de risque qui quantifient la relation entre le nombre de carottes et la précision de l’estimation. Enfin, des recommandations ont été formulées afin de fournir des estimations plus fiables. / To assess concrete strength in an existing structure, the current methodology combines nondestructive measurements (NDT) like rebound hammer or/and pulse velocity with destructive technique (cores) in order to implement a relationship ‘‘conversion model” between the compressive strength and NDT measurements. The conversion model is used to estimate the local strength value at each test location using the corresponding NDT value.Then the estimated mean strength and/or estimated strength standard deviation (concrete strength variability) values are calculated. However, the reliability of these estimated values isalways a questionable issue because of the uncertainties associated with the strength assessment based upon NDT measurements. To improve the reliability, the uncertainties must be reduced by specifying and controlling their influencing factors. Therefore, the objective of this thesis is to analyze the current assessment methodology in order to provide practical recommendations that can improve the reliability of assessing the in-situ strength in existing concrete structures by nondestructive tests and cores.To this end, a simulator was built in order to analyze the effects of the most influencing factors using a large campaign of datasets from different sources (in-situ or laboratory studies,and generated synthetic data).The first contribution of this work is the development of a new model identification approach“bi-objective” that can efficiently capture the strength variability in addition to the mean strength. After studying the effect of the way of selection the core locations, a method was proposed to select these locations depending on the NDT measurements “conditional selection” that improves the quality of assessment without additional cost. A third innovation was the development of a procedure to identify the relation between the number of cores and the accuracy of the estimation. Finally recommendations were derived in order to providemore reliable estimated values.

The diploma thesis deals with different methods of determining levels of degradation of concrete due to freezing, also considering the options of freeze thaw resistance determination in structure. At first the properties of concrete and possible mechanisms of concrete degradation are described – mainly the effects of freezing water in the inner structure and of the combination of freezing water and de-icing chemicals on the surface. Principle and properties of air-entrained concrete are also mentioned. An overview of the approaches that current standards use to determine the freeze-thaw resistance of concrete is listed, followed by description of the tests that are used on air-entrained concrete specimens in the main part of the thesis. A portion of the test specimens was made in moulds while the rest was obtained from structure (concrete block). The non-destructive tests used are evaluated in several different ways and their results are compared with the destructive tests. Comparison and evaluation of different approaches used to determine the freeze-thaw resistence of concrete are the main outcome of this thesis.

Nondestructive testing methods are employed as a tool for evaluation of parameters of building materials, especially to ascertain strength properties and to determine alteration occured during durability tests. An ultrasonic pulse velocity method is one of the most used nondestructive methods. A resonance method is employed among the nondestructive methods less. The aim of this work is to establish the calibration relationships between parameters of nondestructive testing and compressive strength value and flexural tensile strength value, respectively. Moreover, applicability of the calibration relationships is also discussed.