An Improved Test for Generating Rapid, Accurate, and Reliable Crack Permeability Data for Cementitious Materials

Journal article (2019)

Authors

D. Palin Materials and Environment - CEG
Yu Mo University of Maryland
V.A.C. Wiktor Materials and Environment - CEG
H.M. Jonkers Materials and Environment - CEG
Research Group
Materials and Environment (CEG) (TU Delft)
Copyright: © 2019 D. Palin, Yu Mo, V.A.C. Wiktor, H.M. Jonkers
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s40999-018-0326-8
More Info
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Published Date

2019

Language

English

Faculty

Civil Engineering & Geosciences

Department

Materials- Mechanics- Management & Design

Research Group

Materials and Environment

Abstract

Presented is a modified test for generating crack permeability data for cementitious materials. Single-parallel cracks were generated in mortar specimens. The width of the cracks was analysed through stereomicroscope and computer tomography, and the water permeability of the cracks was determined. Reduction factors and crack flow models were generated, and the reliability of those predictions was assessed. Cracks analysed through stereomicroscope produced reliable crack permeability predictions (r 2 = 0.97–0.98), highlighting the importance of testing multiple (≥ 7) replicates. The modified test produced accurate cracks (i.e., cracks that were within 20 µm of their desired crack width) and was easy to use allowing rapid permeability data (i.e., 10 h for 21 specimens) to be generated. The modified test will be of great use for those wanting to generate rapid, accurate, and reliable crack permeability data for cementitious materials.