A Durability Performance Index for Concrete: Developments in a Novel Test Method

Implementation of both design for durability and performance-basedstandards and specifications are limited by the lack of rapid, simple, sciencebasedtest methods for characterising the transport properties and deteriorationresistance of concrete. This paper presents developments in the application ofelectrical property measurements as a testing methodology to evaluate therelative performance of a range of concrete mixes. The technique lends itself toin-situ monitoring thereby allowing measurements to be obtained on theas-placed concrete. Conductivity measurements are presented for concreteswith and without supplementary cementitious materials (SCM’s) fromdemoulding up to 350 days. It is shown that electrical conductivitymeasurements display a continual decrease over the entire test period andattributed to pore structure refinement due to hydration and pozzolanicreaction. The term formation factor is introduced to rank concrete performancein terms of is resistance to chloride penetration.