Ultrasonic testing methodology for the mechanical characterization of concrete blocks

Ultrasonic testing is a widely recognized non-destructive method for estimating the mechanical strength of concrete blocks. Despite its potential, there is no international consensus on a standardized ultrasonic testing procedure for these applications. In the absence of standardization, practitioners often adapt methods from Brazilian, American, and European concrete testing standards. However, determining the ultrasonic propagation velocity (UPV) in concrete blocks presents unique challenges, particularly due to differences in geometry compared to cylindrical test specimens. This paper discusses the parameters involved in the ultrasonic testing of concrete blocks and proposes a testing recommendation. The proposed method is applied to investigate the correlation between UPV and compressive strength of concrete blocks, considering variations in their dimensions and nominal strength.