The ultrasonic pulse velocity (UPV) experimental method applied to investigate the changes in pulse velocity in concrete using artificial sand

Abstract

The ultrasonic pulse velocity (UPV) experimental method belongs to the group of non-destructive testing (NDT) techniques. In our country, there are several studies based on the guidelines of TCVN 9357:2012 for evaluating the quality of heavy concrete using ultrasonic pulse velocity to establish a relationship between compressive strength, ultrasonic pulse velocity, and measuring the depth of open cracks in concrete using ultrasound. However, research results on using ultrasonic pulses to investigate changes in ultrasonic wave velocity in concrete using artificial sand and proposing a preliminary formula for determining compressive strength on this material have not been found yet. The paper is based on the use of artificial sand and cement with six different mix proportions to produce fine aggregate concrete samples with dimensions of 100 mm x 50 mm. The measured ultrasonic wave velocities show a relationship between pulse velocity and compressive strength described by the equation y = 101.98 ln(x) - 795.61 (with a standard deviation R² = 0.996). The research results can serve as a database for preliminarily determining the compressive strength of concrete samples and fine aggregate concrete components in practical applications without the need for destructive testing.