Title:
Changes in Concrete Pore Size Distribution Due to Electrochemical Chloride Migration Trials
Author(s):
Marta Castellote, Carmen Andrade, and Ma Cruz Alonso
Publication:
Materials Journal
Volume:
96
Issue:
3
Appears on pages(s):
314-319
Keywords:
concretes; microstructure; porosity
DOI:
10.14359/628
Date:
5/1/1999
Abstract:
Advanced repair techniques, such as electrochemical chloride removal and re-alkalization involving the use of electrical current applied, are starting to be used for the rehabilitation of concrete structures. The generalized movement of ions dissolved in the aqueous phase of pores leads the authors to conclude that the microstructure of concrete can be altered. In the present paper, results are presented on the changes in pore size distribution after penetration of chlorides driven by an electrical field (migration) in comparison with natural diffusion penetration. Results indicate that the application of an electrochemical treatment to a structure induces an increase in total porosity, due to the solution of precipitated phases, initially located in the smallest capillary pores that after some time evolve to be found in the range between 5 and 0.05 mm.