A B S T R A C T R I~ S U M !~Mechanical, semi-empirical, and theoretical models suitable for describing concrete mechanical properties (modulus of elasticity, bulk modulus, and ultrasonic pulse velocity) are evaluated. Extensive experimental data is generated from saturated and dry concrete specimens with varying volume of active and non-active pores. Experimental data established that active and non-active pores appear at different aspect ratios furthermore, active pores change shape with moisture content. The experimental data is compared to those obtained from these three model categories. Models are evaluated based on their capability in evaluating the effect of pores during dry and saturated states. One model, capable of representing pores at various aspect ratios, was successful in describing mechanical properties in dry and saturated states. ii !!
Les r(sultats d' une ~tude visant h ~valuer la fiabilit( de diff(rents modbles permettant de prMire les propri~t~s mdcaniques (module dlastique, vitesse de propagation d'une onde ultrasonique) sont pr(-sent~s. Trois diffdrents types de modkles ont ~td consid~r~s : des modkles m~caniques, semi-empiriques et th~oriques. De nombreuses donne'es exp~rimentales ont ~t( g~n~r~es dans le cadre de cette ~tude. Le programme experimental visait h ~tudier le comportement d'~prouvettes de b~ton sec et humide p@ar~ ~ difl~rentes teneurs en pores actifs (pores capillaires) et non-actifs (vides d' air). Les r~sultats des essais indiquent que les pores actifs et non-actifs ont diff~rents coefficients de forme et que la gkom~trie des pores actifs varie en fonction de la teneur en eau du b(ton. Les prMictions obtenues avec les