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Evaluation of Self-Compacting Concrete Strength with Non-Destructive Tests for Concrete Structures

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Summary:Self-compacting concrete (SCC) shows to have some specificities when compared to normal vibrated concrete (NVC), namely higher cement paste dosage and smaller volume of coarse aggregates. In addition, the maximum size of coarse aggregates is also reduced in SCC to prevent blocking effect. Such specificities are likely to affect the results of non-destructive tests when compared to those obtained in NVC with similar compressive strength and materials. This study evaluates the applicability of some non-destructive tests to estimate the compressive strength of SCC. Selected tests included the ultrasonic pulse velocity test (PUNDIT), the surface hardness test (Schmidt rebound hammer type N), the pull-out test (Lok-test), and the concrete maturity test (COMA-meter). Seven sets of SCC specimens were produced in the laboratory from a single mixture and subjected to standard curing. The tests were applied at different ages, namely: 1, 2, 3, 7, 14, 28, and 94 days. The concrete compressive strength ranged from 45 MPa (at 24 h) to 97 MPa (at 94 days). Correlations were established between the non-destructive test results and the concrete compressive strength. A test variability analysis was performed and the 95% confidence limits for the obtained correlations were computed. The obtained results for SCC showed good correlations between the concrete compressive strength and the non-destructive tests results, although some differences exist when compared to the correlations obtained for NVC.
Main Authors:Nepomuceno, Miguel
Other Authors:Bernardo, Luís
Subject:Self-compacting concrete Non-destructive test methods Compressive strength Ultrasonic pulse velocity test Surface hardness test Pull-out test Maturity test Within-test variability Normal vibrated concrete
Year:2019
Country:Portugal
Document type:article
Access type:open access
Associated institution:Universidade da Beira Interior
Language:English
Origin:uBibliorum
Description
Summary:Self-compacting concrete (SCC) shows to have some specificities when compared to normal vibrated concrete (NVC), namely higher cement paste dosage and smaller volume of coarse aggregates. In addition, the maximum size of coarse aggregates is also reduced in SCC to prevent blocking effect. Such specificities are likely to affect the results of non-destructive tests when compared to those obtained in NVC with similar compressive strength and materials. This study evaluates the applicability of some non-destructive tests to estimate the compressive strength of SCC. Selected tests included the ultrasonic pulse velocity test (PUNDIT), the surface hardness test (Schmidt rebound hammer type N), the pull-out test (Lok-test), and the concrete maturity test (COMA-meter). Seven sets of SCC specimens were produced in the laboratory from a single mixture and subjected to standard curing. The tests were applied at different ages, namely: 1, 2, 3, 7, 14, 28, and 94 days. The concrete compressive strength ranged from 45 MPa (at 24 h) to 97 MPa (at 94 days). Correlations were established between the non-destructive test results and the concrete compressive strength. A test variability analysis was performed and the 95% confidence limits for the obtained correlations were computed. The obtained results for SCC showed good correlations between the concrete compressive strength and the non-destructive tests results, although some differences exist when compared to the correlations obtained for NVC.

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