Title: Influence of Compressive Stress on the Permeability of Concrete

Author(s): T. W. Bremner, T. A. Holm, and J. M. McInerney

Publication: Symposium Paper

Volume: 136

Issue:

Appears on pages(s): 345-356

Keywords: compression; concrete; cylinders; lightweight aggregate concretes; nitrogen; permeability; stresses; General

DOI: 10.14359/4269

Date: 1/1/1993

Abstract:
The effect of stress on the nitrogen gas permeability of structural lightweight concrete was determined using cylindrical hollow concrete specimens loaded in axial compression at the same time that a nitrogen pressure differential was maintained across the cylinder wall. The nitrogen gas flow rate across the cylinder wall was noted and concrete permeability was measuredas the load increased. Flow rates tended to remain constant up to a critical stress corresponding to the onset of unstable crack propagation, at which time the flow rate increased rapidly. Rapid increases in permeability occurred at lower levels of applied stress-to-strength ratio with normal weight concrete than with lightweight concrete.