Applying Method of Acoustic Emission for Monitoring of Different Concrete Mixture during Setting and Hardening

Abstract

Non Destructive Testing is a powerful tool for determination of properties, durability and lifetime of concrete structures. Acoustic Emission Method is an unusual technique which describes only active defects or changes into structure arising as a consequence dangerous tension into structure. The method is appropriate to be used in homogenous structures as metal structures when cracks are highly active (generates sound). Its application in civil engineering is not so much used because building structures are inhomogeneous. This article shows possible application of Acoustic Emission Method for monitoring of concrete structure changes during its lifetime. The main aim of the article is to show the application of Acoustic Emission Method during the early age to 28 days after mixing. It is believed that early age of concrete structure is very important for its quality. Common concrete cube specimens have been tested after the production by Acoustic Emission Method with using waveguides. The results of acoustic emission method will be compared to classical parameters of fresh concrete e.g. the value water-cement ratio, air void content measured by different methods (pressure methods, AVA) and similar. In the results will be compared four mixtures when two mixtures were aerated and two mixtures were without aeration.