Electrical resistivity as a durability parameter for concrete design: Experimental data versus estimation by mathematical model

摘要

This article evaluated the possibility of using electrical resistivity as a performance parameter for concrete design. Electrical resistivity calculated by theoretical methods based on laws of Archie, Powers and Mills were compared with experimental values for 33 mix design of concrete with different types of cement. Porosity and tortuosity of samples were measured by means of the test of mercury intrusion porosimetry and values found were consistent with the ones proposed by literature. Good correlations between calculated and experimental resistivity were found, with mean differences below 10%. Results indicate that it is possible to elaborate dosage diagrams including resistivity, resulting in an important advancement for the inclusion of the durability in engineering projects. The paper proposes empirical models for calculating electrical resistivity from parameters usually used in the concrete dosing, such as quantity of aggregates, water/binder ratio, compressive strength and cement content. (C) 2018 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.