Using a Saturation Function to Interpret the Electrical Properties of Partially Saturated Concrete
Publication: Journal of Materials in Civil Engineering
Volume 25, Issue 8
Abstract
Electrical properties are frequently measured in the concrete construction industry as a part of mixture qualification and quality-control testing. Whereas there are several factors that influence the electrical response of concrete, one of the most important factors is its degree of saturation. Although current standard tests rely on the concrete’s being saturated, this can be difficult to accomplish, is time-consuming, and can artificially increase the degree of hydration of the test sample in comparison with that of concrete in field structures (when the test samples are stored in water). Although some studies have measured the electrical response of concrete for samples with different moisture content (i.e., stored at different relative humidities), a single expression has not been proposed that predicts how drying changes the electrical response. This paper suggests that a saturation function should be considered as a possible method to account and to correct for less than complete saturation in concrete. This function would provide one term that accounts for changes in pore fluid volume, pore solution concentration, and pore fluid connectivity. Although preliminary, this approach has several potential benefits: (1) it could enable testing of partially saturated concrete, thus saving time; (2) it could be used to predict properties under different exposure conditions; (3) it may facilitate more comprehensive service-life models; and (4) it may enable a wider use of embedded sensor technology.
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Acknowledgments
This first author is grateful for support from the Joint Transportation Research Program administered by the Indiana Department of Transportation and Purdue University. The contents of this paper reflect the views of the authors, who are responsible for the facts and the accuracy of the data presented in this paper, and do not necessarily reflect the official views or policies of the Indiana Department of Transportation, nor do the contents constitute a standard, specification, or regulation.
Certain commercial products are identified in this paper to specify the materials used and procedures employed. In no case does such identification imply endorsement or recommendation by the National Institute of Standards and Technology nor Purdue University, nor does it indicate that the products are necessarily the best available for the purpose.
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Published In
Journal of Materials in Civil Engineering
Volume 25 • Issue 8 • August 2013
Pages: 1097 - 1106
Copyright
© 2013 American Society of Civil Engineers.
History
Received: Apr 25, 2012
Accepted: Jul 13, 2012
Published online: Aug 29, 2012
Discussion open until: Jan 29, 2013
Published in print: Aug 1, 2013
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