The Influence of Stray Current on the Maturity Level of Cement-Based Materials

Abstract

This work reports on the influence of stray current on the development of mechanical and electrical properties of mortar specimens in sealed and water-submerged conditions. In the absence of concentration gradients with external environment (sealed conditions) or in their presence (submerged conditions), compressive strength and electrical resistivity change due to: cement hydration alone; cement hydration, affected by diffusion (including leaching-out); or cement hydration, simultaneously influenced by diffusion and migration. The results are compared to equally conditioned control specimens, where stray current was not involved.

In view of material properties development over time, the ageing factor in relevant exposure conditions is addressed, considering reported approaches for its determination. Through implementing existing methodology and based on experimentally derived electrical resistivity values, the ageing factor for sealed conditions was determined. The apparent diffusion coefficients were calculated based on ageing factors and reported relationships, reflecting the effect of stray current on matrix diffusivity.