Non destructive studies on engineered cementitious composites using microsilica & polypropylene fibre

Abstract

This study focuses on assessing the durability property of engineered cementitious composites using Ultrasonic pulse velocity method (direct and semi direct) to compute the compressive strength. Even the effect of mineral admixture on the mortar properties for different curing regimes shall be determined using this method. Mortar specimens containing microsilica in different percentages ranging from 5% to 25%, replacing portland cement by weight and adding polypropylene fibres ranging from 0.5% to 2% are chosen for evaluation. 20% of microsilica and 2% of polypropylene fibres induced to increase the range of UPV from 3463 m/s to 3505 m/s for 7 and 28 day curing regimes and also the compressive strength significantly improved for the above constituent. However there was a marginal decrease in the compressive strength and UPV outcomes when cement is replaced by microsilica greater than 20%. A relationship had been framed between ultrasound pulse velocity and compressive strength.