Application of electrical methods to assess the quality of concrete

The desire for a non-destructive testing method for concrete strength has always been present in civil engineering. An emphasis on testing the electrical properties of concrete has existed for many years without the connection drawn between the electrical properties and strength of concrete. This study was designed to determine if a relationship between the electrical properties and strength of concrete exists. It was found that a linear relationship exists between the capacitive reactance and strength of concrete, as concrete cures and sets. It was also found that increasing the electrode distance increases the reactance, increasing the electrode contact area decreases the reactance and decreasing the cement content decreases the reactance.