Influence of the aggregate volume on the electrical resistivity and properties of portland cement concretes

Abstract

The electrical resistivity of concretes with various aggregate volume fractions (Va) of 0%–70% at water/cement (W/C) ratios of 0.4 and 0.5 during 1 day was monitored. It is found that the addition of normal aggregate to cement paste leads to a regular increase in concrete resistivity at each hydration stage and the electrical resistivity has a deeper increase for the lower W/C at a fixed aggregate volume fraction. The number of normalized resistivity (NR) of concrete to its paste matrix was introduced, which is only a function of aggregate volume fraction (Va). The quantitative relationships give an alternative method for the prediction of aggregate volume in the concrete. A logarithmic relation is established between the elastic modulus of concrete at 7 days or 28 days and the electrical resistivity of concrete at 1 day. The equations are obtained, the compressive strength of concrete at 7 days or 28 days can be determined by the electrical resistivity of concrete at 1 day and the used aggregate content in the concrete. The quantitative relationships give a non-destructive test (NDT) method for prediction of concrete elastic modulus and compressive strength.