International Concrete Abstracts Portal

Presents an investigation to determine the within-test variability of various nondestructive test methods (NDT) and the correlation between NDT test results and the corresponding compressive strength of cores. The size effects of coarse aggregate on the variability and correlation were also evaluated. The NDT test methods evaluated in the test series include rebound hammer, pulse velocity, probe penetration, pullout, and CAPO (cut and pullout). Companion tests of field-cured standard cylinders and cores were also made at the ages when the NDT tests were made. Results show that the within-test variability of the in situ tests reported (except the pulse velocity test) is two to five times higher than that of the corresponding standard compression test and is affected significantly by the amount of coarse aggregate and its size. There is a good relationship between the results of in situ tests and the compressive strength. In general, the highest degree of correlation is for the pullout test followed by that for the CAPO (cut and pullout) test and rebound test, probe penetration test, and pulse velocity test.

Aim is to analyze the correlations between several nondestructive measured values (ultrasonic velocity and attenuation, rebound number) and the compressive strength of concrete. A computational program performs a step-by-step analysis. First, isolated linear correlations are established for each one of the three nondestructive tests. Then the results are compared with each other in the sense of a general multiple correlation of the values. Since the results obtained from the nondestructive tests are equally scattered, the program determines interactively, in a second step, the multiple coefficients of correlation and restarts the analysis several times by tentatively disregarding the presumably bad experimental results. Since the measured values also comprise a large spectrum of magnitude, limits of validity of the assumed correlations are investigated concomitantly with the process of analysis. A last step is performed to identify a tendency of deviation of the single and multiple correlations from the basic linear ones.

A case history of methods used to evaluate the allowable form removal time for a large diameter tunnel concrete lining is presented. To meet schedule requirements, a concrete placement was to be made every alternate day. A triad of testing was done to evaluate the time at which the reusable, self-propelled, steel-skinned form could be stripped from an existing placement. This testing consisted of field-cured cylinders and nondestructive testing that included embedded thermocouples in the concrete placements and penetration-resistance testing. Reference curves and tables were developed for use in the form removal evaluation. Statistical methods were used on test data obtained from results of testing done with the actual concrete mix to be used in the placements. Control curves were then developed. Target values were selected to be used in determining when the concrete was of sufficient strength to allow for the form removal.

A new improved prototype ultrasonic pitch-catch (two-transducer) and pulse echo (one-transducer) system has been developed for concrete. Signal generation and detection is done with piezoelectric crystals. A literature search revealed that no piezoelectric pulse-echo system had been developed for the ultrasonic range ( > 20 kHz) and that pitch-catch measurements needed further development. No commercial system could be found on the market for making pitch-catch measurements. Research by the U.S. Army Engineer Waterways Experiment Station has resulted in the development of a 200-kHz pitch-catch system with a signal-to-noise ratio of 18 and a pulse-echo system with a SNR of 8. The mass and dimensions of the improved system have been reduced significantly from the prior state-of-the-art system. The WES system works well for thickness measurements of portland-cement concrete pavement and can indicate the presence of voids.

Reports results of an investigation into the use of maturity for predicting early-age concrete strengths. Prediction models were developed from cylinder-test results obtained from twelve concrete mixtures cured under three constant curing conditions. A datum temperature of 25 F (-4 C) was used as it appeared to produce the best results. A prediction model based on estimated ultimate concrete strength was used and found to be independent of curing temperature. However, the estimated ultimate concrete strength value appeared to be dependent on curing temperature. The model was verified by using it to predict concrete strengths obtained from cylinders and slabs cured outdoors.