Determination of setting times by shear wave velocity evolution in fresh mortar using bender element method

Author

Jianfeng Zhu

Keywords and Phrases

Bender Element; Cementitious Material; Setting Time; Shear Wave Velocity

Abstract

This study aims at using modified bender element (BE) method to monitor the shear wave velocity (V_s) of mortar at early-age and determine initial and final setting times with the V_s method. Modifications of the traditional BE method have been made to overcome the aggressive cementitious environment and eliminate electromagnetic coupling. BE has been successfully employed in mortar samples with and without admixtures to evaluate the evolution of V_s during the early age (first 24 hrs) of hydration. An energy approach method of determining the first arrival time of S-wave has been proposed. Pulse wave velocity test, penetration resistance test and calorimetry test were carried out to comprehensively evaluate the setting process. The evolutions of Young’s modulus E, shear modulus G, bulk modulus K, and Poisson’s ratio ν with time were then determined based on V_s, V_p and r measurements.

Log-normal distribution and soil-water characteristic curve (SWCC) were used to fit the V_s-time relationship. It was found that the time corresponding to the largest slope (i.e. maximum increasing rate) of the V_s curve corresponds to the final setting time. The initial setting time shows a linear relationship with the first inflection point and parameter a in SWCC equation. This proposed method of determining setting times with V_s had a high accuracy (R²=0.98). With the non-destructive nature and reliable results, bender element method of obtaining V_s and determining set times has a potential application in the cement industry.

Advisor(s)

Bate, Bate

Committee Member(s)

Khayat, Kamal
Pu, Hefu

Department(s)

Civil, Architectural and Environmental Engineering

Degree Name

M.S. in Civil Engineering

Publisher

Missouri University of Science and Technology

Publication Date

2015

Pagination

ix, 50 pages

Note about bibliography

Includes bibliographical references (pages 46-49).

Rights

© 2015 Jianfeng Zhu, All rights reserved.

Document Type

Thesis - Open Access

File Type

text

Language

English

Thesis Number

T 11155

Electronic OCLC #

1003210517

Recommended Citation

Zhu, Jianfeng, "Determination of setting times by shear wave velocity evolution in fresh mortar using bender element method" (2015). Masters Theses. 7702.
https://scholarsmine.mst.edu/masters_theses/7702