Skip to main content
SpringerLink
Log in

Evaluation of Compressive Strength of Ultra-High-Performance Fiber-Reinforced Concrete Using Non-Destructive Tests

  • Research Article-Civil Engineering
  • Published:
Arabian Journal for Science and Engineering Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

Several non-destructive test (NDT) methods have been used to assess the quality of built concrete. The most popular NDT methods used for in situ testing of concrete are the rebound hammer and ultrasonic pulse velocity techniques. Several factors related to the composition of concrete mixtures affect the estimation of strength and other properties of concrete by using the values of rebound number (RN) and ultrasonic pulse velocity (UPV). However, the calibration charts/empirical models developed for converting RN and UPV into compressive strength of the conventional concrete cannot be utilized for ultra-high-performance fiber-reinforced concrete (UHPFRC) because the composition of UHPFRC is very different from the conventional concrete. Therefore, the research toward developing calibration charts/models suitable for evaluating the in situ compressive strength of UHPFRC would be of great importance. This paper presents an experimental investigation to explore the possibility of developing empirical models that can be used to calculate the in situ compressive strength of UHPFRC by substituting the measured values of RN or/and UPV with a fair degree of accuracy. For this purpose, different sets of UHPFRC specimens were prepared and tested destructively and non-destructively, considering the water/binder ratio, micro-silica content, and curing period as variable factors. Experimental data were analyzed statistically using the analysis of variance (ANOVA) method to examine the significance of the variables to the compressive strength and NDT indicators of UHPFRC. Empirical equations in different forms were obtained to evaluate the compressive strength of UHPFRC using the NDT results, and the relative accuracies and suitability of these equations were discussed. Incorporation of the curing period in the proposed models improved their accuracies in predicting UHPFRC compressive strength as indicated by the increase in R2 values, e.g., 0.79–0.91, 0.59–0.98, and 0.96–0.99 for the models in terms of RN alone, UPV alone, and RN and UPV together, respectively.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this article

Log in via an institution

Price excludes VAT (USA)
Tax calculation will be finalised during checkout.

Instant access to the full article PDF.

Institutional subscriptions

Fig. 1
Fig. 2
Fig. 3
Fig. 4
Fig. 5
Fig. 6
Fig. 7
Fig. 8
Fig. 9
Fig. 10
Fig. 11
Fig. 12
Fig. 13
Fig. 14
Fig. 15

Similar content being viewed by others

References

  1. Hussain, A.; Akhtar, S.: Review of non-destructive tests for evaluation of historic masonry and concrete structures. Arab. J. Sci. Eng. 42, 925–940 (2017)

    Article  Google Scholar 

  2. Shariati, M.; Ramli-Sulong, N.H.; Mohammad Mehdi Arabnejad, K.H.; Shafigh, P.; Sinaei, H.: Assessing the strength of reinforced concrete structures through ultrasonic pulse velocity and schmidt rebound hammer tests. Sci. Res. Essays. (2011).

  3. Pucinotti, R.: Reinforced concrete structure: non destructive in situ strength assessment of concrete. Constr. Build. Mater. 75, 331–341 (2015)

    Article  Google Scholar 

  4. Bungey, J.H.: Developments of NDT in civil engineering. insight non-destructive test. Cond. Monit. (1994)

  5. Jain, S.; Prakash, S.S.; Subramaniam, K.V.L.: Monitoring of concrete cylinders with and without steel fibers under compression using piezo-ceramic smart aggregates. J. Nondestruct. Eval. 35, 1–7 (2016)

    Article  Google Scholar 

  6. Plati, C.; Loizos, A.; Gkyrtis, K.: Assessment of modern roadways using non-destructive geophysical surveying techniques, (2020)

  7. Riahi, P.; Zare, K.: Using NDT methods to investigate the road structure conditions to design rehabilitation alternatives a case study : azadegan freeway, Tehran. In: 5th International Conference Bituminous Mixtures And Pavements Thessaloniki, Greece, 1–3 June 2011 (2011)

  8. Arel, H.Ş: Effects of curing type, silica fume fineness, and fiber length on the mechanical properties and impact resistance of UHPFRC. Results Phys. 6, 664–674 (2016)

    Article  Google Scholar 

  9. Oke, D.A.; Oladiran, G.F.; Raheem, S.B.: Correlation between destructive compressive testing (DT) and non destructive testing (NDT) for concrete strength. Int. J. Eng. Res. Sci. (2017).

  10. Bhosale, N.; Salunkhe, P.A.: To establish relation between destructive and non-destructive tests on concrete. Int. J. Eng. Res. Gen. Sci. (2016)

  11. Ahmed, J.; Shukri, M.: Comparison between destructive and non-destructive test on concrete. Eurasian J. Sci. Eng. 3(2), 215–223 (2018)

    Google Scholar 

  12. Aydin, F.; Saribiyik, M.: Correlation between Schmidt Hammer and destructive compressions testing for concretes in existing buildings. Sci. Res. Essays. 5(13), 1644–1648 (2010)

    Google Scholar 

  13. Hannachi, S.; Guetteche, M.N.: Review of the rebound hammer method estimating concrete compressive strength on site. In International Conference on Architecture and Civil Engineering pp. 118-127. Presented at the (2014)

  14. Brencich, A.; Cassini, G.; Pera, D.; Riotto, G.: Calibration and reliability of the rebound (Schmidt) hammer test. Civ. Eng. Archit. 1(3), 66–78 (2013)

    Article  Google Scholar 

  15. Merkel, M.; Breit, W.: Non-destructive to structural strength - Comparative investigations for rebound hammer testing|Zerstörungsfrei zur Bauwerksfestigkeit: Vergleichende Untersuchungen zur Rückprallhammerprüfung. Beton Stahlbetonbau 113(9), 640–646 (2018)

    Article  Google Scholar 

  16. Karaman, K.; Kesimal, A.: Correlation of schmidt rebound hardness with uniaxial compressive strength and P-wave velocity of rock materials. Arab. J. Sci. Eng. 40(7), 1897–1906 (2015)

    Article  Google Scholar 

  17. Mesutoğlu, M.; Özkan: In-situ application of schmidt hammer test on a coal face with large-scale (2020)

  18. Bungey, J.; Millard, S.: Ultrasonic pulse velocity methods. In Testing of concrete in structures (1995)

  19. Trtnik, G.; Kavčič, F.; Turk, G.: Prediction of concrete strength using ultrasonic pulse velocity and artificial neural networks. Ultrasonics (2009)

  20. Naik, T.R.; Malhotra, V.M.; Popovics, J.S.: The ultrasonic pulse velocity method. In Handbook on nondestructive testing of concrete, 2nd ed. (2003)

  21. Breysse, D.: Nondestructive evaluation of concrete strength: An historical review and a new perspective by combining NDT methods. Constr. Build. Mater. 33, 139–163 (2012)

    Article  Google Scholar 

  22. Yang, H.; Lin, Y.; Hsiao, C.; Liu, J.Y.: Evaluating residual compressive strength of concrete at elevated temperatures using ultrasonic pulse velocity. Fire Saf. J. 44, 121–130 (2009)

    Article  Google Scholar 

  23. Trtnik, G.; Kavčič, F.; Turk, G.: Prediction of concrete strength using ultrasonic pulse velocity and artificial neural networks. Ultrasonics 49, 53–60 (2009)

    Article  Google Scholar 

  24. Sadeghi Nik, A.; Lotfi Omran, O.: Estimation of compressive strength of self-compacted concrete with fibers consisting nano-SiO2 using ultrasonic pulse velocity. Constr. Build. Mater. 44, 654–662 (2013)

    Article  Google Scholar 

  25. Haach, V.G.; Juliani, L.M.; Roz, M.R.D.: Ultrasonic evaluation of mechanical properties of concretes produced with high early strength cement. Constr. Build. Mater. 96, 1–10 (2015)

    Article  Google Scholar 

  26. Hamid, R.; Yusof, K.M.; Zain, M.F.M.: A combined ultrasound method applied to high performance concrete with silica fume. Constr. Build. Mater. 24, 94–98 (2010)

    Article  Google Scholar 

  27. Bogas, J.A.; Gomes, M.G.; Gomes, A.: Compressive strength evaluation of structural lightweight concrete by non-destructive ultrasonic pulse velocity method. Ultrasonics. (2013)

  28. Nematollahi, B.: A review on ultra high performance “ductile” concrete (UHPdC) technology. Int. J. Civ. Struct. Eng. 2(3), 1003–1018 (2012)

    Google Scholar 

  29. Ahmad, S.; Hakeem, I.; Maslehuddin, M.: Development of an optimum mixture of ultra-high performance concrete. Eur. J. Environ. Civ. Eng. 20, 1106–1126 (2016)

    Article  Google Scholar 

  30. Maca, P.; Zatloukal, J.; Konvalinka, P.: Development of Ultra High Performance Fiber Reinforced Concrete mixture. In ISBEIA 2012 - IEEE Symposium on Business, Engineering and Industrial Applications (2012)

  31. Hassan, A.M.T.; Jones, S.W.: Non-destructive testing of ultra high performance fibre reinforced concrete (UHPFRC): A feasibility study for using ultrasonic and resonant frequency testing techniques. Constr. Build. Mater. 35, 361–367 (2012)

    Article  Google Scholar 

  32. Vaitkevičius, V.; Šerelis, E.; Rudžionis, Z.; Vaičiukyniene, D.: Non-destructive test methods application for structure analysis of ultra-high performance concrete after deterioration of cyclic salt-scaling. Mechanika. 20, 213–220 (2014)

    Article  Google Scholar 

  33. Azreen, M.N.; Pauzi, I.M.; Nasharuddin, I.; Haniza, M.M.; Akasyah, J.; Karsono, A.D.; Lei, V.Y.: Prediction of concrete compression strength using ultrasonic pulse velocity. In AIP Conference Proceedings. Vol. 1704, No. 1, p. 040006. AIP Publishing LLC. (2016)

  34. Soleimanian, E.; Toufigh, V.: Assessment of plain and glass fiber-reinforced concrete under impact loading: a new approach via ultrasound evaluation. J. Nondestruct. Eval. 38, 1–8 (2019)

    Article  Google Scholar 

  35. Jain, A.; Kathuria, A.; Kumar, A.; Verma, Y.; Murari, K.: Combined use of non-destructive tests for assessment of strength of concrete in structure. Procedia Eng. 54, 241–251 (2013)

    Article  Google Scholar 

  36. Tsioulou, O.; Lampropoulos, A.; Paschalis, S.: Combined non-destructive testing (NDT) method for the evaluation of the mechanical characteristics of ultra high performance fibre reinforced concrete (UHPFRC). Constr. Build. Mater. 131, 66–77 (2017)

    Article  Google Scholar 

  37. American Society for Testing and Materials: ASTM C 150 : Standard Specification for Portland Cement. Ann. B. ASTM Stand. (2007)

  38. Ahmad, S.; Hakeem, I.; Maslehuddin, M.: Development of UHPC mixtures utilizing natural and industrial waste materials as partial replacements of silica fume and sand. Sci. World J. (2014)

  39. ASTM International: ASTM C1437 - Standard test method for flow of hydraulic cement mortar. ASTM Int. (2013)

  40. ASTM C1856/C1856M: Standard practice for fabricating and testing specimens of ultra-high performance concrete. ASTM Int. (2017)

  41. American Society for Testing and Materials: ASTM C805-02 standard test method for rebound number of hardened concrete. Am. Soc. Test. Mater. (2002)

  42. ASTM C597: Standard Test Method for Pulse Velocity Through Concrete (2016)

  43. ASTM C109: Standard Test Method for Compressive Strength of Hydraulic Cement Mortars. Ann. B. ASTM Stand. (2000)

  44. ASTM: C39-05 Standard Test Method for Compressive Strength of Cylindrical Concrete Specimens. ASTM Int. (2008)

  45. Lothenbach, B.; Rentsch, D.; Wieland, E.: Hydration of a silica fume blended low-alkali shotcrete cement. Phys. Chem. Earth. 70, 3–16 (2014)

    Article  Google Scholar 

  46. Wu, Z.; Shi, C.; Khayat, K.H.: Influence of silica fume content on microstructure development and bond to steel fiber in ultra-high strength cement-based materials (UHSC). Cem. Concr. Compos. 71, 97–109 (2016)

    Article  Google Scholar 

  47. Chang, W.; Zheng, W.: Effects of key parameters on fluidity and compressive strength of ultra-high performance concrete. Struct. Concr. 21, 747–760 (2020)

    Article  Google Scholar 

  48. Chen, H.J.; Yu, Y.L.; Tang, C.W.: Mechanical properties of ultra-high performance concrete before and after exposure to high temperatures. Mater. (Basel) 13(3), 770 (2020)

    Article  Google Scholar 

  49. Hamad, A.J.: Size and shape effect of specimen on the compressive strength of HPLWFC reinforced with glass fibres. J. King Saud Univ. Eng. Sci. 29(4), 373–380 (2017)

    MathSciNet  Google Scholar 

  50. Yi, S.T.; Yang, E.I.; Choi, J.C.: Effect of specimen sizes, specimen shapes, and placement directions on compressive strength of concrete. Nucl. Eng. Des. 236(2), 115–127 (2006)

    Article  Google Scholar 

  51. Sim, J.I.L.; Yang, K.H.; Kim, H.Y.; Choi, B.J.: Size and shape effects on compressive strength of lightweight concrete. Constr. Build. Mater. 38, 854–864 (2013)

    Article  Google Scholar 

  52. del Viso, J.R.; Carmona, J.R.; Ruiz, G.: Shape and size effects on the compressive strength of high-strength concrete. Cem. Concr. Res. 38, 386–395 (2008)

    Article  Google Scholar 

  53. Hernández-Molinar, R.; Sarmiento-Rebeles, R.; Méndez-Barrios, C.F.: Least squares method and empirical modeling: a case study in a mexican manufacturing firm. Empir. Model. Appl. (2016)

Download references

Acknowledgements

The authors gratefully acknowledge the support of the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals, Dhahran, Saudi Arabia.

Funding

No funding was received for conducting this study.

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals, Dhahran, 31261, Saudi Arabia

    Mohammed Al-Huri, Shamsad Ahmad & Mohammed A. Al-Osta

  2. Interdisciplinary Research Center for Construction and Building Materials, King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals, Dhahran, 31261, Saudi Arabia

    Shamsad Ahmad & Mohammed A. Al-Osta

Authors
  1. Mohammed Al-Huri
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  2. Shamsad Ahmad
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  3. Mohammed A. Al-Osta
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

Contributions

All three authors contributed to the study's conception and design.

Corresponding author

Correspondence to Shamsad Ahmad.

Ethics declarations

Conflict of interest

The authors have no conflicts of interest to declare that they are relevant to the content of this article.

Availability of data and material

Data presented in the paper are available to authors.

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

About this article

Check for updates. Verify currency and authenticity via CrossMark

Cite this article

Al-Huri, M., Ahmad, S. & Al-Osta, M.A. Evaluation of Compressive Strength of Ultra-High-Performance Fiber-Reinforced Concrete Using Non-Destructive Tests. Arab J Sci Eng 47, 5395–5409 (2022). https://doi.org/10.1007/s13369-021-06448-z

Download citation

  • Received:

  • Accepted:

  • Published:

  • Issue Date:

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s13369-021-06448-z

Keywords

Search

Navigation