Non-Destructive Testing of Fully Recycled Aggregate Concrete Bricks Prepared by Compression Casting Technique

Abstract

This research study aims to investigate the quality and strength of fully recycled aggregate concrete (RAC) bricks made by using Compression Casting Technique (CCT). Standard size RAC bricks were manufactured using 70% recycled coarse and 30% recycled fine concrete aggregates with 15% cement content by weight of total aggregates. Three values of casting pressure (i.e., 25, 30 and 35 MPa) were studied. Recycled concrete aggregates (fine and coarse) required for this study were produced by crushing of tested concrete samples having compressive strength range of 3000 to 4000 psi. Both destructive and non-destructive testing were performed on RAC bricks. Among NDT, ultrasonic pulse velocity test was performed to assess the quality of RAC bricks and based on results, a correlation between compressive strength and UPV test values is proposed. In addition, Schmitt hammer test was also performed, and their values were compared with laboratory tested samples. Results have highlighted that Schmitt hammer and UPV test can be consider as convenient and reliable way to assess the strength and quality of RAC bricks in the field.