CARACTERIZACION DE PROCESOS FISICOS EN MATERIALES BASADOS EN CEMENTO MEDIANTE INTERFEROMETRIA ULTRASONICA

Abstract

ABSTRACT Chloride ions play an important role in the deterioration of concrete structures. There are several test methods for evaluating the resistance of penetration of chloride ions in concrete. Traditionally the methods used are of a destructive nature and usually require considerable time to obtain results either at laboratory or field structures. It is therefore desirable to explore other non-destructive techniques to evaluate the chloride penetration in concrete that are quick and reliable. Ultrasound has been used to determine various properties of concrete such as thickness, strength, internal defects and monitor the setting and hardening, but there has been no research efforts related to the use of ultrasound-based techniques to detect entry of chloride ions in cement-based materials. The aim of this paper is to demonstrate the ability of the ultrasonic interferometry technique as a highly sensitive technique to detect changes in the response of cement paste when distilled water or sodium chloride solution to 16.5% and 33% penetrate the porous material by capillary flow or vacuum saturation. The results demonstrate the ability of this technique to detect changes in the response signal corresponding to the difference in the fluids that penetrate the sample.