Work

Calibrating electrical resistivity measurements in reinforced concrete with rebar effects and practical guidelines

Year: 2024

Type: article

Abstract: This study investigates the impact of reinforcing steel bars (rebars) on the electrical resistivity (ER) of concrete surfaces measured using the Wenner four-point method, and provides practical calibration guidelines. Numerical simulations were conducted using 3D finite element models in COMSOL Multiphysics v5.5, examining variables such as electrode spacing, proximity and orientation of the probe relative to the rebar, and rebar characteristics (clear cover, diameter, and configuration). Experimental validation involved nine reinforced concrete cubes, each containing a central rebar and varying concrete clear covers of 25 mm, 50 mm, and 75 mm, to corroborate the simulation results. The findings indicate that rebars significantly influence ER measurements, leading to the development of numerical formulas that correlate critical rebar parameters with ER values. This study proposes a practical guideline to enhance the accuracy of ER measurements in reinforced concrete, applicable to both one-way and two-way reinforcement configurations, thereby improving measurement interpretation.

Source: Measurement

Authors: Kevin Paolo V. Robles, Jurng-Jae Yee, Nenad Gucunski, Seong-Hoon Kee

Institutions: Mapúa University, Dong-A University, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey

Language: English

Topic: Concrete Corrosion and Durability

Subfield: Civil and Structural Engineering

Field: Engineering

Domain: Physical Sciences

Open Access status: hybrid

Estimated APC paid: $3,650

Funders: Ministry of Education, National Research Foundation of Korea

Award: G4733097637