Combined experimental and numerical ultrasonic assessment of self-healing within cementitious materials

Abstract

Self-healing cementitious mixtures have been studied extensively as a solution to labour-intensive and costly manual repairs. The implementation of such materials within the construction industry requires an adequate assessment of the regained mechanical properties, ensuring a safe environment for the user. While most standardized methods are limited in their characterization potential, ultrasound allows to monitor the healing progress in a non-destructive manner and provides a direct link to the elastic properties of the member under study. Still, an assessment of the mechanical properties of the healing products is not straightforward, as the ultrasonic waves propagate not only through the healing layer, but through the intact mortar around this zone as well. To isolate the healed layer from the intact material, numerical simulations were performed. By a comparison between experimental and numerical results, the elastic modulus of the healing products deposited inside the crack was determined.