11/7/23, 3:06 PM The Relationship Between Concrete Strength and Wave Speed

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Home | FAQs | Is there a relation between concrete strength and wave speed? How can I determine the minimum acceptable wave speed?

IS THERE A RELATION BETWEEN CONCRETE STRENGTH AND WAVE

SPEED? HOW CAN I DETERMINE THE MINIMUM ACCEPTABLE WAVE
SPEED?
Based on information reported in American Concrete Institute (ACI) 228.1 and some other codes and specifications, the concrete compressive
strength is approximately proportional to the compression wave velocity to the 4th power. This means that, if σ is the concrete strength, W is
the wave speed, and k1 and k2 are constants: σ = k1 × W4 or W = k2× σ1/4 Those relationships can be used to compare the strength and wave
speed of concretes with a similar mix. The following table might offer a rough guide:

fc wave speed fc wave speed

psi ft/sec MPa m/sec
2000 9,249 13.8 2,819
3000 10,235 20.7 3,120
4000 10,999 27.6 3,352
5000 11,630 34.5 3,545
6000 12,172 41.4 3,710
7000 12,650 48.3 3,856
8000 13,080 55.2 3,986
9000 13,470 62.1 4,106
10000 13,830 69.0 4,215
Suppose the minimum acceptable strength for the concrete of a drilled shaft project is σA. Also suppose that on a given shaft on that project
you determine a wave speed WM (by performing a Pile Integrity Test or by Cross Hole Sonic Logging) and measure a strength σM (by extracting
a cylinder, for example). A relationship may be established for the minimum acceptable wave speed on other drilled shafts on the same project,
WA, as follows: WA = WM (σA / σM)1/4

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