Ultrasonic Technique for Monitoring Concrete Strength Gain at Early Age

In this paper, the applicability of the wave reflection factor (WRF) technique for developing in-place procedures for assessing the rate of strength gain in concrete structures is determined. The research placed particular emphasis on highway pavement structures. Through a carefully planned experimental study involving laboratory-sized slab specimens of typical concrete mixture compositions used in highway/bridge construction, it is shown that the WRF technique accurately predicts the trends in strength development in such structures. The results appear promising in developing a predictive approach for strength gain based on the observed WRF trends.