Title:
Modeling of the Electromagnetic Properties of Concrete
Author(s):
Udaya B. Halabe, Arash Sotoodehnia, Kenneth R. Maser, and Eduardo A. Kausel
Publication:
Materials Journal
Volume:
90
Issue:
6
Appears on pages(s):
552-563
Keywords:
aggregates; concretes; dielectric constant; microwaves; mix proportioning; Design
DOI:
10.14359/4495
Date:
11/1/1993
Abstract:
Electromagnetic techniques, such as ground penetrating radar, have shown increasing potential for the rapid evaluation of concrete conditions in situ. However, interpretation of data produced by these techniques requires a clear understanding of the relationship of the electromagnetic properties of concrete to the physical properties of interest (e.g., moisture content, chloride content, density, etc.). The objective of the research described in this paper is to establish such relationships. Models have been presented to predict the velocity and attenuation of electromagnetic waves in concrete as a function of frequency, temperature, moisture content, chloride content, and concrete mix constituents. The electromagnetic properties of concrete are predicted by aggregating the individual properties of its constituents: water, salt, air, cement paste, and aggregate solids. The mixture models have been used as a basis for parametric studies that show the sensitivity of the electromagnetic properties to these constituents. An experimental study has been carried out to confirm the predictions of the theoretical models. Results predicted by these models have been found to compare favorably with those obtained from laboratory experiments.