Influence of temperature and humidity on Portland cement mortar resistivity monitored with inner sensors

TLDR: In this article, a theoretical discussion about how these two factors affect resistivities of concrete and mortar is provided and experimental results on sensorized mortar probes are presented and correlated to analytical models of temperature and humidity influences.

Abstract: Concrete resistivity is directly related to relative humidity (RH) and is also affected by temperature. In this paper, a theoretical discussion about how these two factors affect resistivities of concrete and mortar is provided. Moreover, experimental results on sensorized mortar probes are presented and correlated to analytical models of temperature and humidity influences. All measurements were performed under controlled conditions. Temperature, RH, and resistivity were measured simultaneously in a particular zone of the probes. Temperature scanning was performed over short periods of time (approximately 1 h) and the probes were covered with waterproof paraffin each time for constant humidity content. This was feasible as all sensors were embedded. Water contents were ensured during the experiment by weighting the probes. Conclusions on the applicability of these techniques, their advantages, and limitations, and correlation to Archie and Arrhenius laws of the results are made.