Determination of Polypropylene Fiber-Reinforced Concrete Compressive Strength and Elasticity Modulus via Ultrasonic Pulse Tests

Compressive strength and elasticity modulus are the main mechanical properties of concrete. The non-destructive ultrasound pulse test can be used to determine these properties without compromising the structure’s integrity. This study seeks to assess whether a correlation exists (1) between the Rein...

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Bibliographic Details
Main Authors: Alexandre Almeida Del Savio, Darwin La Torre Esquivel, Julian Carrillo, Emilio Chi Yep
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: MDPI AG 2022-10-01
Series:Applied Sciences
Subjects:
Online Access:https://www.mdpi.com/2076-3417/12/20/10375
Description
Summary:Compressive strength and elasticity modulus are the main mechanical properties of concrete. The non-destructive ultrasound pulse test can be used to determine these properties without compromising the structure’s integrity. This study seeks to assess whether a correlation exists (1) between the Reinforcement Index (<i>RI</i>) and the mechanical properties, (2) between the <i>RI</i> and the dynamic properties, and (3) among the dynamic properties of polypropylene fiber-reinforced concrete. The <i>RI</i> was modified through fiber volume fraction (0, 0.4, 0.8 and 1.2%) and fiber length (40, 50 and 60 mm). The dynamic properties were assessed through dynamic elasticity modulus and ultrasonic pulse velocity (UPV), which were determined by direct, semi-direct, and indirect prospect methods. Finally, compressive strength, static elasticity modulus, and Poisson’s ratio were assessed through destructive tests. Their relationship with UPV and the dynamic elasticity modulus is also subsequently studied. The results reveal a correlation between <i>RI</i> and compressive strength and UPV; however, the static elasticity modulus only exhibits a correlation with UPV in one of its measurement methods. Finally, empirical models were developed for predicting compressive strength, elasticity modulus as a function of ultrasonic pulse velocity and <i>RI</i>, and dynamic elasticity modulus as a function of compressive strength and <i>RI</i>.
ISSN:2076-3417