Mechanical and Microstructure Characterization of Fresh High- and Normal- Strength Concrete with Non-Contact Electrical Resistivity Measurement

Abstract

This paper reports the investigation on both high and normal strength concrete using a non-contact electrical resistivity facility. The bulk resistivity development (ρ(t)-t curves) of the fresh concretes was evaluated from casting to 72h. The relationship between the electrical resistivity and the pore structure obtained from mercury intrusion porosimetry (MIP) method was analyzed. And the compressive strength evolution of fresh high- and normal- strength concrete was studied based on the bulk resistivity at early ages. The experiment results indicated a linear relationship between the fractional porosity and electrical resistivity. A further correlation between the compressive strength and electrical resistivity was analyzed with Archie’s law. Based on these studies, it appears that the electrical resistivity test could provide information for the design, quality control, quality assurance, and utilization of both high- and normal- strength concrete.