Title: Dielectric Response of Concrete: Hardening and Hydration Development

Author(s): M. Tiznobaik and M. T. Bassuoni

Publication: Materials Journal

Volume: 115

Issue: 6

Appears on pages(s): 945-955

Keywords: dielectric response; hardening; hydration; strength

DOI: 10.14359/51706944

Date: 11/1/2018

Abstract:
As the dielectric response of cement paste continuously changes during hydration, it may be used as an indicator of this process. However, there has not been focused research on relating the dielectric response of concrete to characteristic parameters of the hydration process. A pilot study was performed herein to investigate the optimum frequency needed to determine the dielectric response of concrete, verified by gauging its sensitivity to curing. Subsequently, the dielectric response of a real-time sensor embedded in concrete, with a focus on the example of concrete joints, was studied and correlated to setting time and strength/hydration development of concrete mixtures with a range of reactivity (accelerated, normal, and retarded using combinations of cement, fly ash, and nanosilica). The results showed that dielectric response of concrete is strongly correlated to the hardening threshold and strength/hydration development of concrete, and thus may be potentially used as a field indicator for these parameters.