Implementing Ultrasonic Pulse Velocity (USPV) Technique for Evaluating the Influence of Cement Type and Content on Durability of Roller Compacted Concrete (RCC)

Abstract

Implemeting nondestracive testing for rigid pavement is essential for quality control and reservation of the pavement surface. The USPV was used to monitor the deterioration of the RCC quality which was prepared in the laboratory with three percentages of cement (10, 12, and 16) % and two types of cement, (ordinary portland cement OPC and sulphate resistant cement SRC). Slab specimens were prepared and divided into three groups. The first group was subjected to 60 cycles of sulphate attack, the second group practiced 60 cycles of (freezing-thawing), while the third group was subjected to 60 cycles of (wetting-drying). The rate of decline in the USPV throughout the durability cycles was monitored and modelled. The superior performance of the SRC was detected among the durability cycles regardless of the cement content. It was concluded that using 12 % of SRC after 60 cycles exhibited higher pulse velocity of (14.2, 11.1, and 8.5) % when the specimens practiced (sulphate attack, freezing-thawing, and wetting-drying) respectively as compared with specimens prepared with OPC. The obtained mathematical models could be implemented to verify the deterioration in the quality of roller compacted concrete through the tested durability variables.