Embedded Pore Solution Resistivity Sensor for Concrete Materials

Presented By: Amir Alarab, Penn State University Description: The concrete Formation Factor (FF) is an indication of permeability and resilience of concrete to the ingress of aggressive ions. FF is defined as the ratio of the electrical resistivity of the concrete mixture over the concrete pore solution resistivity (PSR). There are standard test methods to measure the concrete mix resistivity. However, the PSR can only be measured after labor-intensive laboratory extraction of the pore solution. Funded by the USDOT FHWA, an embedded sensor system has been developed for measuring PSR. This presentation discusses the novel sensor test procedure, potential applications in practice, and test results using the manufactured prototypes. The use of the sensor in cylindrical concrete samples will improve concrete mix design and construction quality control to produce concrete materials that are less permeable to aggressive ions, which can corrode steel reinforcement and accelerate deterioration.