Resonant acoustic evaluation of mechanical properties of masonry mortars

This study aims to establish relationships between dynamic and static mechanical properties for masonry mortars containing lime. An experimental research was conducted with four mortar mixes of different compositions. Acoustic and compression tests were performed at different ages. Acoustic tests showed lower dispersion and higher elastic moduli than static tests. A good relationship between them was found assuming a power law (R2 = 0.966). Dynamic elastic modulus showed a mutual correlation with compressive strength and static elastic modulus (R2 = 0.982). A new equation was proposed to represent mechanical properties vs. age considering the coupling between the hydration and carbonation hardening mechanisms.