Correlation Between Ultrasonic Pulse Velocity and Thermal Conductivity of Cement-Based Composites

The thermal conductivity of construction materials is among the main factors influencing the thermal performance of buildings. This property is, thus, extensively demanded for design purposes. The thermal conductivity is especially related to the pore system and the composition of cement-based composites, the same factors that affect their Ultrasonic Pulse Velocity (UPV). In this sense, the present work evaluates the correlation between thermal conductivity and UPV. To this purpose, mortar specimens were investigated, with varying mix proportions, fine aggregate types, and dosages of air-entraining admixture. A satisfactory determination coefficient (R-2 > 0.9) was obtained between thermal conductivity and UPV of the mortars when they were grouped under similar components and pore structure. It was observed that the pore system of the mortars tested is more influential to the UPV than their overall porosity. In this sense, a better correlation was found between UPV and thermal conductivity than between thermal conductivity and specific gravity. Additionally, the fine aggregate type presents a significant impact-not only due to its chemical and mineralogical properties but also as a result of the morphology that each aggregate generates within the matrix. In conclusion, this technique potentially presents high applicability to the thermal characterisation of cement-based composites.