Characterization of ultrasonic properties of concrete

The objective of this study is to verify the applicability of the dynamic effective medium theory to the analysis of wave propagation in a multiphase multiscale material such as the concrete. Ultrasonic measurements and numerical calculations of longitudinal wave speed and attenuation are performed for concrete specimens with different material contents. Comparisons between the numerical and experimental results show that the theoretical model captures some essential characteristics of ultrasonic waves in concrete. The effects of size, mechanical properties, and bonding condition at the interfaces of aggregates on the wave dispersion and attenuation are investigated.