An investigation of the void trsucture of lightweight concrete containing waste undersize pumice additive using nondestructive methods

Abstract

Aggregate type and grain size are crucial factors that present significant characteristics on the strength. Within this context, the determination of the void ratio has an important place. This study aimed to examine the void structures of lightweight concrete specimens containing waste undersize pumice additive. The void ratio of the specimens was calculated by the porosity and void ratio determination (PVRD). The nondestructive ultrasonic pulse velocity test (NUPVT) was performed on the specimens, and the wave transmission characteristics were investigated. The void characteristics of the pores in the specimens were analyzed by digital image processing (DIP). After the identification of the texture, the void ratios were determined by the DIP with an accuracy of 93 to 97%. After the nondestructive and experimental studies, the compressive strength values of the specimens were determined by the uniaxial pressure tests and the void ratio-strength correlations were evaluated. As a result, it was determined that nondestructive methods yield similar results with PVRD to determine the void characteristics of specimens containing waste undersize pumice. In the study, the effects of wave characteristics passing through the specimen on the void structure and strength were revealed.