Prediction of Concrete Compression Strength Using Ultrasonic Pulse Velocity

The relationship of ultrasonic stress waves transmitted along direct and indirect paths in concrete samples was investigated. Tests were conducted on plain concrete slabs from different grades of 15, 25, 30, 40 and Ultrahigh Performance Concrete that have dimensions of 750mm x 150mm x 150 mm. Direct ultrasonic pulse velocity tests were conducted between the top and the bottom surfaces of the concrete samples and indirect tests were conducted along the surface. A test procedure to determine indirect wave velocities was refined by defining the spacing of the transducers which are 50, 100, 150, 200, 250, 300, 350, 400, 450 mm. The correlation was established between direct and indirect UPV measurements via statistical analysis. From the analysis, it can be concluded that direct UPV has higher value than indirect UPV value by 16.5 % due to position of transducers. The compression strength of the concretes was studied to be compared with the direct and indirect transmission, with direct transmission method showed a good correlation with compression strength.