Developments in Performance Monitoring of Concrete Exposed to Extreme Environments
Publication: Journal of Infrastructure Systems
Volume 18, Issue 3
Abstract
The performance of the surface zone of concrete is acknowledged as a major factor governing the rate of deterioration of reinforced concrete structures because it provides the only barrier to the ingress of water containing dissolved ionic species such as chlorides, which ultimately initiate corrosion of the reinforcement. In situ monitoring of cover-zone concrete is therefore critical in attempting to make realistic predictions as to the in-service performance of the structure. To this end, this paper presents developments in a remote interrogation system to allow for continuous, real-time monitoring of the cover-zone concrete from an office setting. Use is made of a multi electrode array embedded within cover-zone concrete to acquire discretized electrical resistivity and temperature measurements, with both parameters monitored spatially and temporally. On-site instrumentation, which allows for the remote interrogation of concrete samples placed at a marine exposure site, is detailed together with data handling and processing procedures. Site measurements highlight the influence of temperature on electrical resistivity and an Arrhenius-based temperature correction protocol is developed using on-site measurements to standardize resistivity data to a reference temperature; this is an advancement over the use of laboratory-based procedures. The testing methodology and interrogation system represent a robust, low-cost, and high-value technique that could be deployed for intelligent monitoring of reinforced concrete structures.
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Acknowledgments
This paper presented forms part of the concrete durability program into monitoring and improving the performance of structural concrete in bridges and in the development of performance-based testing procedures undertaken for Transport Scotland and the Engineering Science Physical Research Council, UK (Research Grants EP/G025096/1, EP/G02152X, and EP/I005846). Funding from both bodies is gratefully acknowledged. The views expressed in this paper are those of the authors and not necessarily those of Transport Scotland. The technical support of AmphoraNDT (www.amphorandt.com) is also gratefully acknowledged.
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Published In
Journal of Infrastructure Systems
Volume 18 • Issue 3 • September 2012
Pages: 167 - 175
Copyright
© 2012 American Society of Civil Engineers.
History
Received: Jun 24, 2011
Accepted: Dec 14, 2011
Published online: Dec 19, 2011
Published in print: Sep 1, 2012
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