Validation of Selected non-destructive methods for determining the compressive strength of masonry units made of autoclaved aerated concrete

Abstract

Minor-destructive (MDT) and non-destructive (NDT) techniques are not commonly used for masonry as they are complex and difficult to perform. This paper describes validation of the following methods: semi-non-destructive, non-destructive, and ultrasonic technique for autoclaved aerated concrete (AAC). The subject of this study covers the compressive strength of AAC test elements with declared various density classes of: 400, 500, 600, and 700 (kg/m 3 ), at various moisture levels. Empirical data including the shape and size of specimens, were established from tests on 494 cylindrical and cuboid specimens, and standard cube specimens 100 mm × 100 mm × 100 mm using the general relationship for ordinary concrete (Neville's curve). The effect of moisture on AAC was taken into account while determining the strength f Bw for 127 standard specimens tested at different levels of water content (w = 100%, 67%, 33%, 23%, and 10%). Defined empirical relations were suitable to correct the compressive strength of dry specimens. For 91 specimens 100 mm × 100 mm × 100 mm, the P-wave velocity c p was tested with the transmission method using the ultrasonic pulse velocity method with exponential transducers. The curve (f Bw -c p ) for determining the compressive strength of AAC elements with any moisture level (f Bw ) was established. The developed methods turned out to be statistically significant and can be successfully applied during in-situ tests. Semi-non-destructive testing can be used independently, whereas the non-destructive technique can be only applied when the developed curve f bw -c p is scaled.