Comparative Structural Strength Analysis of Pozzolana-Portland Cement Using Ultrasonic Non-destructive Testing Technique

Abstract

The paper presents comparative results of structural strength analysis of concrete made from a mixture of Pozzolana (Pozzo) and Ordinary Portland Cement (OPC) without reinforcement, at varied ratios of Pozzo/OPC between 0-100 % using ultrasonic non-destructive testing techniques. The Pozzolana content in the mixture was increased in steps of 10 % to obtain an optimum formulation of desired characteristics for nuclear applications. Ultrasonic Pulse Velocity (UPV), one of the most popular non-destructive techniques was used in the assessment of the concrete properties. The study also investigated the relationship between the use of UPV and the Conventional Modulus of Elasticity (CME) to determine concrete uniformity. The UPV tests were carried out at the concrete age of 7, 14, and 28 days. The UPV and the modulus of elasticity of concrete increased with age, but the growth rate varied with mixture proportion. The test results have shown that concrete made from a matrix mixture of 20% Pozzo and 80% OPC has a more improved strength compared to that of the OPC only. Modulus of Elasticity for this improved formulation at ages Seven (7) days, Fourteen (14) days and Twenty-eight (28) days were analyzed