Estimation of Strength Development of Concrete Using Dielectric Measurements

Abstract

This study found the possibility of estimating the strength development of concrete during the initial curing period using dielectric measurements. In concrete structures, the strength development due to hydration progress during the initial curing period is a critical process and determines the subsequent performance. The compressive strength of concrete is typically measured by compressing small cylindrical specimens that has been poured. However, since the strength development of concrete is greatly affected by such as surroundings and heat of hydration, the actual construction sites require a direct and non-destructive measurement method for the concrete structures. In this study, we conducted basic experiments to estimate the initial strength development by evaluating the hydration progress of mortar specimens using dielectric measurements. The results showed the dielectric measurements could evaluate the free and bound water state because there was the correlation between the time variation of dielectric relaxation time and the material age.