Concrete Resistivity Mapping
Electrical Resistivity for Corrosion Rate Estimation
Overview
Concrete resistivity measures the concrete's ability to conduct electrical current and therefore support the electrochemical corrosion process. Low-resistivity concrete supports faster corrosion rates than high-resistivity concrete.
The measurement uses a four-point Wenner probe placed on the concrete surface. Testing takes approximately 10 seconds per location, allowing rapid coverage of large structural areas.
Concrete resistivity provides information that half-cell potential mapping does not: it indicates the rate at which corrosion can proceed. A zone with active corrosion but high resistivity will corrode slowly; a zone with active corrosion and low resistivity requires urgent attention.
Applications
Corrosion Rate Assessment
Estimating relative corrosion rate potential by mapping resistivity.
Half-Cell Complement
Combining with half-cell for complete corrosion risk assessment.
Moisture Distribution
Using resistivity as a proxy for moisture content distribution.
Concrete Quality Indicator
Assessing relative concrete quality and permeability.
Technical specifications
| Method | Four-point Wenner probe |
|---|---|
| Electrode Spacing | 50mm standard |
| Range | 1–1000 kΩ·cm |
| Test Speed | ~10 seconds per point |
| Risk Thresholds | >20 negligible, 10–20 low, <5 very high (kΩ·cm) |
| Standards | AASHTO T 358, ASTM C1876, RILEM TC 154-EMC |
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FAQ
Common questions
What does low resistivity mean?+
Low resistivity (<10 kΩ·cm) means the concrete can support rapid corrosion — typically caused by high moisture, chloride contamination, or high porosity.
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