Temperature Effect on Electrical Resistivity Measurement Using an Embedded Sensor to Estimate Concrete Water Content

Abstract

Concrete resistivity measurements strongly depend on the temperature and the water content of the structure. In this paper, a study of the effect of the temperature and saturation degree on electrical resistivity measurement is carried out using an embedded printed circuit board sensor to estimate water content profiles in concrete structures. Resistivity measurements are performed at temperatures between 20 and 60 °C. Experimental results are presented and analyzed in light of well-established empirical models. Calibration curves that link the electrical resistivity to the degree of saturation at a given temperature are discussed. Arrhenius laws that depend on the degree of saturation can be used to fit our data. In the perspective of the instrumentation and monitoring of concrete structure in real conditions, it is important to master the temperature correction laws of resistivity measurement to evaluate the gradients of water saturation degree.