The main objectives of this research are to evaluate the effects of delamination defects on the measurement of electrical resistivity of reinforced concrete slabs through analytical and experimental studies in the laboratory, and to propose a practical guide for electrical resistivity measurements on concrete with delamination defects. First, a 3D finite element model was developed to simulate the variation of electric potential field in concrete over delamination defects with various depths and lateral sizes. Second, for experimental studies, two reinforced concrete slab specimens (1500 mm (width) by 1500 mm (length) by 300 mm (thickness)) with artificial delamination defects of various dimensions and depths were fabricated. Third, the electrical resistivity of concrete over delamination defects in the numerical simulation models and the two concrete slab specimens were evaluated by using a 4-point Wenner probe in accordance with AASHTO (American Association of State Highway and Transportation Office) T-358. It was demonstrated from analytical and experimental studies in this study that shallow (50 mm depth) and deep (250 mm depth) delamination defects resulted in higher and lower electrical resistivity (ER) values, respectively, as compared to measurements performed on solid concrete locations. Furthermore, the increase in size of shallow defects resulted in an increase in concrete resistivity, whereas the increase in sizes of deep delamination defects yielded opposite results. In addition, measurements done directly above the steel reinforcements significantly lowered ER values. Lastly, it was observed from experimental studies that the effect of delamination defects on the values of electrical resistivity decreases as the saturation level of concrete increases.
Keywords: concrete; delamination defects; electrical resistivity; non-destructive evaluation.