Quantitative Assessment of Infrared Analysis of Concrete Admixtures

Abstract

This study investigates quantitative methods for assessment of infrared analysis of concrete admixtures using correlation coefficients by performing IR scans following the ASTM C494/C494M-11 specifications. In order to achieve this goal, numerous IR scans were performed on specimens supplied by the manufacturer from different batches to ensure uniformity and equivalency. These scans were then analyzed to create correlation coefficients for each admixture. The correlation coefficients were used to quantitatively evaluate and interpret IR Scans of job samples. The study focused on 23 most commonly used concrete admixtures by the New Jersey Department of Transportation (NJDOT). They include air-entrainers, accelerators, retarders, water reducers, and other combinations of these admixtures. Their correlation coefficients were established by analyzing a total of 12 scans of each admixture from three different batches supplied by the manufacturer at different time intervals. In order to validate the obtained correlation coefficients and establish a target correlation, job samples were tested and compared to the obtained correlations. The study also evaluated the effects of drying time and using different types of KBr on correlation coefficients. © 2013 The Author(s).