Dielectric properties of portland cement paste as a function of time since mixing

Abstract

The dielectric properties of portland cement paste and mortar have been measured in the frequency range 100 Hz–7 MHz as a function of time since mixing. Over much of the spectrum, the ac conductance of the samples appears directly related to the amount of unbound water remaining in the sample and ionic conduction predominates. In addition, interesting structure was found in both the conductance and capacitance data at high frequencies as the free water content was reduced. We conclude that relatively simple measurements of this kind can be a useful tool in concrete research and may provide the basis for simple, in situ, nondestructive measurement of the degree of curing of concrete or for monitoring water migration in concrete structures. Measurements on sealed samples of partially or fully cured concrete reveal also the water–cement ratio of the original mix.