Early Age Stiffening of Cement Paste Using Ultrasonic Wave Reflection

Abstract

This paper describes how ultrasonic wave reflection (UWR) has been used to monitor hydration and strength development of concrete. UWR measures the changes in reflected ultrasonic waves at the interface between a buffer material and hydrating cement paste. To monitor the subtle changes during early hydration it is necessary to use a buffer with low acoustic impedance, close to that of cement paste. In this research, UWR measurements on hydrating Type I portland cement are performed using a high impact polystyrene (HIPS) buffer. Both S-waves and P-waves are analyzed simultaneously to develop and extend the use of UWR to monitor early stiffening of cement paste. The penetration resistance test (ASTM C 403) and temperature rise of cement paste are used to correlate stiffening characteristics. The UWR responses show good correlation with results from temperature rise and penetration resistance. The onset of stiffening is the same for penetration resistance and both P- and S-wave UWR, and nearly the same for temperature rise. It is found that the HIPS buffer can provide sensitive measurement on the early age stiffening of cement paste.