Login | Register

The Influence of Defects in Concrete (Cracking and Consolidation) on Water Absorption and Electrical Conductivity

Title:

The Influence of Defects in Concrete (Cracking and Consolidation) on Water Absorption and Electrical Conductivity

Eghtesadi, Shahrzad (2014) The Influence of Defects in Concrete (Cracking and Consolidation) on Water Absorption and Electrical Conductivity. Masters thesis, Concordia University.

[thumbnail of Eghtesadi_MASc_F2014.pdf]
Preview
Text (application/pdf)
Eghtesadi_MASc_F2014.pdf - Accepted Version
3MB

Abstract

The great impact of durability on concrete performance and service life makes it a serious issue in the recent years. Cracking plays an important role in increasing the mass transport properties of concrete thus decreasing its durability against harsh environmental conditions. Construction defects such as improper consolidation is another factor leading to the unacceptably high rate of concrete deterioration.
In this research, several concrete specimens were manufactured with two different water-cement ratios. The influence of cracking induced by both mechanical and thermal loading on mass transport properties of concrete was studied. Further, the effect of construction practices including over-vibration and insufficient consolidation on concrete properties was investigated. Ultrasonic pulse velocity was applied to identify the presence of internal damage. Water absorption, electrical conductivity and electrical resistivity are the main standard test methods used for durability evaluation.
It was found that water absorption and electrical conductivity of concrete are not significantly affected by the formation of localized bond cracking under short term tensile loading below 80% of the ultimate capacity. However, the well distributed network of shrinkage cracking associated with rapid microwave heating can accelerate the rate of water and chloride ingress through concrete to the large extent. Results also showed that the presence of large, interconnected voids induced by insufficient degree of consolidation has much more destructive influence on concrete microstructure.

Divisions:Concordia University > Gina Cody School of Engineering and Computer Science > Building, Civil and Environmental Engineering
Item Type:Thesis (Masters)
Authors:Eghtesadi, Shahrzad
Institution:Concordia University
Degree Name:M.A. Sc.
Program:Civil Engineering
Date:28 August 2014
Thesis Supervisor(s):Nokken, Michelle
ID Code:978926
Deposited By: SHAHRZAD EGHTESADI
Deposited On:03 Nov 2014 14:36
Last Modified:18 Jan 2018 17:48
All items in Spectrum are protected by copyright, with all rights reserved. The use of items is governed by Spectrum's terms of access.

Repository Staff Only: item control page

Downloads per month over past year

Research related to the current document (at the CORE website)
- Research related to the current document (at the CORE website)
Back to top Back to top