Possibilities of using ultrasound for the technological control of concrete of hollow-core slabs

This manuscript addresses the evaluation of possible applications of ultrasonic tests for the technological control of concrete of hollow-core slabs during the production phase. The study was divided into two phases. In the first, three different compositions of concrete were produced and ultrasonic tests were applied to cylindrical specimens for the obtaining of a correlation curve between compressive strength and dynamic elastic modulus. In the second phase, hollow-core slabs were constructed for a possible assessment of the variation of mechanical properties over time using the correlation curve obtained in the first phase. The results indicate ultrasonic tests can be an interesting alternative to be applied in precast concrete industries as a tool for the technological control of concrete without interference in the production line. (C) 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved. (AU)