Non-destructive testing of high strength concrete using spectral analysis of surface waves

Abstract

Non-destructive testing is essential in the inspection of alteration, repair and new construction in construction industry. Researchers are exploring the performance of non-destructive testing method using spectral analysis of surface waves (SASW) in concrete structures. The method consists of the generation, measurement and processing of dispersive surface waves. In SASW test, the surface of the media under consideration is subject to an impact using, for example, a 12-mm steel ball, to generate surface wave energy at various frequencies. Two vertical accelerometer receivers detect the energy transmitted through the testing media. By recording signals in digitized form using a data acquisition system and processing them, surface wave velocity can be obtained using a dispersion curve. This study is to focus on understanding of the applicability and limitations of the SASW method in a high strength concrete. This study is also to characterize the material property of early age high strength concrete emphasizing compressive strength using non-destructive testing methods. Three high strength concrete slabs of 600, 850 and 1100 kg/cm2 compressive strengths were prepared together with cylinders from same batches. Cylinder tests were performed at the ages of 7, 14, 21 and 28 days after pouring concrete. Using the impact-echo method, the compression wave velocities were obtained based on different high strength concrete ages and compressive strengths. The equation to obtain the compressive strengths of high strength concrete has been developed using the obtained compression wave velocities (f′c=1.083Vp−3816.1143). Using the method, the equation has also been developed to obtain the compressive strengths of high strength concrete based on the surface wave velocities (f′c=0.253Vp+16.271). This study can be utilized in examining structural elements of high strength concrete structures and be applied in the integrity analysis of high strength concrete structures with a finite thickness.