Correlation Analysis between Strength and Defect of Nano-Cementitious Composites using Ultrasonic Pulse Velocity

Recently, researchers are conducting studies to improve the mechanical and chemical properties of cementitious composites mixed with nanomaterials. Defects may occur inside nano-cementitious composites due to nanomaterial agglomeration in the manufacturing process. These defects can degrade the mechanical performance of the nano-cementitious composite. This study performs ultrasonic non-destructive and compressive strength tests according to the size of defects in nano-cementitious composites. Multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) were used for the nanomaterial, and internal defects of various sizes were considered in the center of the specimens. Ultrasonic pulse velocity was measured according to the defect size until 30 curing days, after which the compressive strength was measured. The ultrasonic pulse velocity of the nano-cementitious composites decreased by up to 9.6% in relation to that of the specimens without defects as the defect size increased, and the compressive strength decreased by up to 35.7%. This study’s findings revealed a correlation between ultrasonic pulse velocity and compressive strength according to defect size. Future ultrasonic non-destructive tests will allow for the prediction of mechanical performance and the detection of defects within nano-cementitious composites.