The Correlation between Shrinkage and Acoustic Emission Signals in Early Age Concrete

This study analysed the processes of damage formation and development in early age unloaded concrete using the acoustic emission method (IADP). These are of great importance in the context of the durability and reliability of a structure, as they contribute to reducing its failure-free operation time. Concrete made with basalt aggregate and Portland or metallurgical cement cured under different conditions after demoulding was the test material. The obtained damage values were compared with the measured concrete shrinkage, and a shrinkage strain–acoustic emission signal (resulting from damage) correlation was found. The correlation allows easy measurement of damage level in the early period of concrete hardening, and consequently can be the basis of a non-destructive method.