Spatial variability of chloride in concrete within homogeneously exposed areas
article
The concept of variability is increasingly considered in service life predictions. This paper reports experimental
data on the spatial distribution of chloride in uncracked concrete subjected to homogeneous exposure. Chloride
concentrations were measured with potentiometric sensors embedded in concrete exposed to chloride ingress
by cyclic wetting and drying. The sensors allow highly localised, non-destructive measurements. Six different
concrete mixes were tested, each with more than 20 sensors embedded within a plane at constant depth. The
resulting dataset is discussed with respect to causes for the observed spatial variability of chloride as well as
implications for service life predictions and experimental methods. It is concluded that the observed spatial
chloride variability is a true property of chloride penetration into concrete and not an uncertainty arising from
limited measurement precision. The primary cause was identified to be the presence of coarse aggregates rather
than w/c ratio, cement type or exposure conditions.
data on the spatial distribution of chloride in uncracked concrete subjected to homogeneous exposure. Chloride
concentrations were measured with potentiometric sensors embedded in concrete exposed to chloride ingress
by cyclic wetting and drying. The sensors allow highly localised, non-destructive measurements. Six different
concrete mixes were tested, each with more than 20 sensors embedded within a plane at constant depth. The
resulting dataset is discussed with respect to causes for the observed spatial variability of chloride as well as
implications for service life predictions and experimental methods. It is concluded that the observed spatial
chloride variability is a true property of chloride penetration into concrete and not an uncertainty arising from
limited measurement precision. The primary cause was identified to be the presence of coarse aggregates rather
than w/c ratio, cement type or exposure conditions.
TNO Identifier
483840
Source
Cement and Concrete Research, 56, pp. 40-51.
Pages
40-51
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