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Numerical investigation of the role of embedded reinforcement mesh on electrical resistivity measurements of concrete using the Wenner probe technique

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Abstract

A numerical investigation was conducted to study the role of rebar mesh on the electrical resistivity measurements of concrete using the Wenner probe technique. The effects of rebar spacing, cover thickness, the location of the Wenner probe with respect to the rebar mesh, and slab thickness were investigated. The results revealed that current guidelines for taking resistivity measurements over rebar mesh do not necessarily provide the most accurate results. As much as 30 % increase in accuracy can be achieved just by selecting appropriate orientation or location for the Wenner probe. Having the probe placed parallel to the top rebars midway between both top and bottom bars was found to be the most suitable arrangement to minimize the rebar mesh interference on the electrical resistivity measurements.

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Abbreviations

a :

Electrode spacing of Wenner probe (mm)

S :

Rebar spacing (mm)

T :

Concrete cover thickness (mm)

Γ i :

Domain boundary i

ρ :

Electrical resistivity (Ω m)

ϕ :

Rebar diameter (mm)

Ω i :

Subdomain i

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Acknowledgments

This study was conducted using the financial support from Natural Science and Engineering Research Council of Canada. Critical feedback and support provided by technical staff of Giatec Scientific Inc. are also acknowledged.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Carleton University, Ottawa, ON, Canada

    Mustafa Salehi & Pouria Ghods

  2. School of Civil & Construction Engineering, Oregon State University, 101 Kearney Hall, Corvallis, OR, 97331, USA

    O. Burkan Isgor

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  1. Mustafa Salehi
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  2. Pouria Ghods
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  3. O. Burkan Isgor
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Correspondence to O. Burkan Isgor.

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Salehi, M., Ghods, P. & Burkan Isgor, O. Numerical investigation of the role of embedded reinforcement mesh on electrical resistivity measurements of concrete using the Wenner probe technique. Mater Struct 49, 301–316 (2016). https://doi.org/10.1617/s11527-014-0498-x

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1617/s11527-014-0498-x

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