Ultrasonic testing of concrete is often used for the assessment of its uniformity, strength, modulus of elasticity, durability and etc. therefore, the related parameters of testing such as the transducer frequency, the specimen geometry and etc. are well-known. On the other hand, most of the concrete properties are affected by the cement and the mechanical as well as some durability properties of cements are determined through cement mortars. Applications of ultrasound on determining the properties of cement mortars are quite limited. Therefore, the required specimen dimensions, transducer frequencies have not yet been established for cement mortars. In this study, ultrasonic pulse velocity (UPV) of mortars was determined with different transducers of different frequencies for different size ans shape of specimens. Within the scope of the experimental program, three different ultrasonic frequencies (54 kHz, 82 kHz, and 150 kHz) were utilized and the relation between ultrasonic testing frequency and specimen shape was experimentally investigated. It was concluded that the mechanical properties of mortar was adversely affected by the water-to-cement ratio. It was also observed that, when the length/wavelength ratio increases, the measured UPV with different transducer frequencies tends to converge to a single value. Finally, it was also concluded that an increase in moisture content of the mortar mixtures causes an increase in UPV and a decrease in compressive strength.

A aplicação de Ensaios Não Destrutivos (END) é considerada uma alternativa para monitorar o estado das estruturas de concreto armado, principalmente quando ocorrem falhas de projeto, erros de dosagem, problemas na mistura, transporte ou lançamento do concreto. A medida da Velocidade de Pulso Ultrassônico (VPU) é um END que vem sendo usado comumente em diversas áreas da engenharia civil, devido à facilidade da operação, ao seu baixo custo, à rapidez na execução dos testes e à ausência de danos ao material analisado. O objetivo deste trabalho consiste em apresentar o resultado de uma pesquisa experimental, que visou estudar a influência que determinadas variáveis operacionais exercem sobre os resultados obtidos nos ensaios de VPU e qual a real capacidade de penetração e detecção de defeitos de diversas magnitudes. As medições foram realizadas utilizando o ultrassom pelo modo de transmissão indireta, pois esta é a alternativa que mais se adapta às condições verificadas no exame de estruturas reais de concreto armado. Primeiramente, foram moldados em laboratório dois blocos de concreto, com dimensões próximas às encontradas em estruturas reais de grande porte: um com armadura nas duas faces e outro sem armadura. Em ambos os elementos foram introduzidos objetos para simular possíveis falhas de concretagem. Em uma segunda etapa, foram realizadas perfurações visando identificar a capacidade de detecção de vazios da técnica de VPU para diferentes profundidades. Os resultados são apresentados na forma de imagens geradas através de software e por meio de analises estatísticas. Este estudo verificou que a escolha dos parâmetros de ensaio é um fator determinante para permitir a interpretação correta dos resultados, salientando-se que a experiência do operador e as dimensões de grid são os parâmetros que mais interferem na interpretação dos dados. / The use of Non-destructive Testing (NDT) methods is considered an alternative to monitor the behaviour of reinforced concrete structures, especially when there are design problems or errors related to concrete mixing, transport, placement and casting errors. The Ultrasonic Pulse Velocity (UPV) method is a Non-Destructive Test that is gaining acceptance. The test has been commonly used in various civil engineering areas due to the fact that it is easy to operate and rapid to perform, and to the low cost and lack of damage to the tested material. The objective of this work is to present the results of an experimental research that aimed to study the influence of certain technological variables on the measurements obtained from UPV tests. The work also aims to gather data to assess the penetration capacity of the US waves and their ability to detect defects of various dimensions. The measurements were performed using the indirect transmission mode, to simulate real work conditions on large structures. Firstly, two massive concrete blocks were cast in the laboratory, with dimensions close to real life structures: one with steel reinforcement on both sides and the other without reinforcement. Objects were introduced in both elements to simulate possible defects due to casting. In a second stage, perforations were conducted in the concrete elements to identify the void detection capability of the UPV technique for different depths. The results are presented by images generated by specific software and by using statistical analysis. This study found that the test parameters influence significantly the correct interpretation of the results. The operator experience and the grid dimensions are the parameters that most influence UPV data analysis.

A aplicação de Ensaios Não Destrutivos (END) é considerada uma alternativa para monitorar o estado das estruturas de concreto armado, principalmente quando ocorrem falhas de projeto, erros de dosagem, problemas na mistura, transporte ou lançamento do concreto. A medida da Velocidade de Pulso Ultrassônico (VPU) é um END que vem sendo usado comumente em diversas áreas da engenharia civil, devido à facilidade da operação, ao seu baixo custo, à rapidez na execução dos testes e à ausência de danos ao material analisado. O objetivo deste trabalho consiste em apresentar o resultado de uma pesquisa experimental, que visou estudar a influência que determinadas variáveis operacionais exercem sobre os resultados obtidos nos ensaios de VPU e qual a real capacidade de penetração e detecção de defeitos de diversas magnitudes. As medições foram realizadas utilizando o ultrassom pelo modo de transmissão indireta, pois esta é a alternativa que mais se adapta às condições verificadas no exame de estruturas reais de concreto armado. Primeiramente, foram moldados em laboratório dois blocos de concreto, com dimensões próximas às encontradas em estruturas reais de grande porte: um com armadura nas duas faces e outro sem armadura. Em ambos os elementos foram introduzidos objetos para simular possíveis falhas de concretagem. Em uma segunda etapa, foram realizadas perfurações visando identificar a capacidade de detecção de vazios da técnica de VPU para diferentes profundidades. Os resultados são apresentados na forma de imagens geradas através de software e por meio de analises estatísticas. Este estudo verificou que a escolha dos parâmetros de ensaio é um fator determinante para permitir a interpretação correta dos resultados, salientando-se que a experiência do operador e as dimensões de grid são os parâmetros que mais interferem na interpretação dos dados. / The use of Non-destructive Testing (NDT) methods is considered an alternative to monitor the behaviour of reinforced concrete structures, especially when there are design problems or errors related to concrete mixing, transport, placement and casting errors. The Ultrasonic Pulse Velocity (UPV) method is a Non-Destructive Test that is gaining acceptance. The test has been commonly used in various civil engineering areas due to the fact that it is easy to operate and rapid to perform, and to the low cost and lack of damage to the tested material. The objective of this work is to present the results of an experimental research that aimed to study the influence of certain technological variables on the measurements obtained from UPV tests. The work also aims to gather data to assess the penetration capacity of the US waves and their ability to detect defects of various dimensions. The measurements were performed using the indirect transmission mode, to simulate real work conditions on large structures. Firstly, two massive concrete blocks were cast in the laboratory, with dimensions close to real life structures: one with steel reinforcement on both sides and the other without reinforcement. Objects were introduced in both elements to simulate possible defects due to casting. In a second stage, perforations were conducted in the concrete elements to identify the void detection capability of the UPV technique for different depths. The results are presented by images generated by specific software and by using statistical analysis. This study found that the test parameters influence significantly the correct interpretation of the results. The operator experience and the grid dimensions are the parameters that most influence UPV data analysis.

A aplicação de Ensaios Não Destrutivos (END) é considerada uma alternativa para monitorar o estado das estruturas de concreto armado, principalmente quando ocorrem falhas de projeto, erros de dosagem, problemas na mistura, transporte ou lançamento do concreto. A medida da Velocidade de Pulso Ultrassônico (VPU) é um END que vem sendo usado comumente em diversas áreas da engenharia civil, devido à facilidade da operação, ao seu baixo custo, à rapidez na execução dos testes e à ausência de danos ao material analisado. O objetivo deste trabalho consiste em apresentar o resultado de uma pesquisa experimental, que visou estudar a influência que determinadas variáveis operacionais exercem sobre os resultados obtidos nos ensaios de VPU e qual a real capacidade de penetração e detecção de defeitos de diversas magnitudes. As medições foram realizadas utilizando o ultrassom pelo modo de transmissão indireta, pois esta é a alternativa que mais se adapta às condições verificadas no exame de estruturas reais de concreto armado. Primeiramente, foram moldados em laboratório dois blocos de concreto, com dimensões próximas às encontradas em estruturas reais de grande porte: um com armadura nas duas faces e outro sem armadura. Em ambos os elementos foram introduzidos objetos para simular possíveis falhas de concretagem. Em uma segunda etapa, foram realizadas perfurações visando identificar a capacidade de detecção de vazios da técnica de VPU para diferentes profundidades. Os resultados são apresentados na forma de imagens geradas através de software e por meio de analises estatísticas. Este estudo verificou que a escolha dos parâmetros de ensaio é um fator determinante para permitir a interpretação correta dos resultados, salientando-se que a experiência do operador e as dimensões de grid são os parâmetros que mais interferem na interpretação dos dados. / The use of Non-destructive Testing (NDT) methods is considered an alternative to monitor the behaviour of reinforced concrete structures, especially when there are design problems or errors related to concrete mixing, transport, placement and casting errors. The Ultrasonic Pulse Velocity (UPV) method is a Non-Destructive Test that is gaining acceptance. The test has been commonly used in various civil engineering areas due to the fact that it is easy to operate and rapid to perform, and to the low cost and lack of damage to the tested material. The objective of this work is to present the results of an experimental research that aimed to study the influence of certain technological variables on the measurements obtained from UPV tests. The work also aims to gather data to assess the penetration capacity of the US waves and their ability to detect defects of various dimensions. The measurements were performed using the indirect transmission mode, to simulate real work conditions on large structures. Firstly, two massive concrete blocks were cast in the laboratory, with dimensions close to real life structures: one with steel reinforcement on both sides and the other without reinforcement. Objects were introduced in both elements to simulate possible defects due to casting. In a second stage, perforations were conducted in the concrete elements to identify the void detection capability of the UPV technique for different depths. The results are presented by images generated by specific software and by using statistical analysis. This study found that the test parameters influence significantly the correct interpretation of the results. The operator experience and the grid dimensions are the parameters that most influence UPV data analysis.

Road and rail tunnels are important parts of the modern infrastructure. High strength concrete (HSC) is commonly used for tunnels and other civil engineering structures, since it allows high load carrying capacity and long service life. In general, Swedish road and rail tunnels should be designed for a service life of 120 years. However, HSC has shown to be sensitive to severe fires in the moist tunnel environment, i.e., fire spalling may occur. Extensive research shows that addition of polypropylene (PP) fibres in the fresh concrete mix significantly reduces the risk of fire spalling. The durability of a concrete structure is mainly governed by the transport properties. Further, experimental studies aimed at understanding the protective mechanism of PP fibres indicate that fluid transport increases in connection with the melting temperature of such fibres. This might reduce the durability of fire exposed concrete with addition of PP fibres. This study aims to investigate whether the use of PP fibres has any significant effect on the durability of moderate fire exposed concrete structures. The experimental study focused on transport properties related to durability and stiffness reduction of fire exposed civil engineering concrete with and without addition of PP fibres. The study consists of three parts; (i) unilateral fire exposure in accordance with the standard time-temperature curve (Std) and a slow heating curve (SH), (ii) uniformly heating of non-restrained samples to 250oC, and (iii) moderate unilateral fire exposure, 350oC, of restrained samples. Changes in material properties caused by the fire exposure were studied by means of ultrasonic pulse velocity, full field-strain measurements during uniaxial compression core tests, polarization and fluorescence microscopy (PFM), water absorption and non-steady state chloride migration. The study shows that fire exposure influences different properties of importance for load carrying capacity and durability. To get a clear image of the fire damage one has to combine different test methods during damage assessments. Transport properties of concrete both with and without addition of PP fibres were considerably affected even at moderate fire exposure. Hence, the service life might be reduced. All series with addition of PP fibres exhibited higher water absorption compared to the series without PP fibres. The practical importance of this might, however, be small since also the water absorption of concrete without PP fibres was considerably affected for the fire scenarios considered in this study. Behind the fire exposed surface, i.e., between 30 and 60 mm, no change in water absorption was observed for concrete without PP fibres. However, higher water absorption of the series with addition of PP fibres was observed. Indicative fire tests aimed to evaluate the resistance to fire spalling during a subsequent severe fire was also conducted. The concretes with addition of PP fibres showed no signs of fire spalling, while progressive spalling was observed for the concrete without PP fibres. / <p>QC 20150603</p>

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 measurement and monitoring of the elastic properties of cement-based materials is very important for assessing their quality, integrity and performance. Due to the nonhomogeneous and time-dependent characteristics of these materials, it is difficult to observe the developments in elastic properties with traditional destructive methods. The aim of this thesis is to determine and monitor elastic properties of mortar specimens made with different cements by using resonant frequency and ultrasonic pulse velocity test methods, and to obtain relationships between these elastic properties. For this purpose, eight different cement mortar mixtures were prepared with different constituent CEM I cements. Dynamic elastic moduli, static elastic moduli, dynamic Poisson&rsquo / s ratio and strength of these mixtures were observed for different ages. The relationships between these elastic properties are determined and the results obtained from two different nondestructive test methods are compared. Although nondestructive tests made it possible to obtain elastic properties of mortar mixtures, the results revealed that it is very difficult to develop a single relationship between different elastic properties of mortars with varying mixture proportions. This situation is mainly due to the anisotropy and nonlinear behavior of the mortar and the difficulty of describing the actual behavior of mortar by formulations defined for perfectly elastic materials.

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.