Relating ultrasonic signals to concrete microstructure using X-ray computed tomography

Published: 2020

Author(s):
Landis, E. N
Hassefras, E.
Oesch, T.
Niederleithinger, E.

Publication Name: Construction and Building Materials

Publication URL: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0950061820331287

Research Area:
Keywords:
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Abstract:

With a goal to improve our understanding of the relationships between microstructural features and ultrasonic signal behavior, concrete specimens of varying water-to-cement ratio were imaged using X-ray computed tomography (CT), and subsequently subjected to ultrasonic testing. From the CT scans, measurements were made of cement paste density and number of interfaces. Ultrasonic signals produced using a through-transmission configuration were analyzed and fit to a diffusion model to separate absorption from scattering attenuation. The results showed that at the frequencies tested, ultrasonic dissipation rate correlated weakly with paste density, while diffusivity correlated well with number of interfaces, but only if entrained air is considered separately. Cement paste density was found to be very well predicted by diffusivity, leading to a clear power-law relationship between diffusivity and compressive strength.