Effect of steel fibres dosage in alkali-activated slag mortar on acoustic emission obtained during three-point bending tests

Abstract

The acoustic emission phenomenon is directly associated with nucleation of cracks in structural materials during loading. This paper analyses acoustic emission signals captured during three-point bending fracture tests of alkali-activated slag mortar specimens with different amount of steel fibres. Typical parameters of acoustic emission signals were identified for different mixtures to further describe the under-the-stress behaviour and failure development. The acoustic emission signals from crack growth were continuously monitored using acoustic emission sensors mounted on the specimen surface. Acoustic emission results are accompanied by selected mechanical fracture parameters determined via evaluation of load versus displacement diagrams recorded during three-point bending tests.