This paper describes an experimental study of water transport through concrete via electro osmosis - the forced movement of water though a porous material due to an external electric field. A basic understanding of this behavior is necessary in order to effectively apply several technologies, such as cathodic protection of rebar in concrete and the ElectroOsmotic Pulse waterproofing technology. The impact of electro-osmosis on the chemistry of concrete was also investigated by observing ion transport within the material. Concrete specimens of various water/cement ratios were prepared and tested. The laboratory experiments demonstrated that the steady-state flow velocity is relatively independent of concrete w/c ratio, in contrast to hydraulic permeability, which is very dependent on the w/c ratio. The study also showed that ion transport in concrete, particularly Calcium ions, due to electro-osmosis can be significant.

Subject
Cathodes, Electric current, Water, Materials, Ions, Permeability, Rebar, Calcium, Hydraulic equipment, Electroosmosis, Electrolysis, Concrete, Anodes
Keywords:
concrete, ElectroOsmotic Pulse, electro-osmosis, ion transport, cathodic protection, water, cement ratio, water transport
Government work published by the Association for Materials Protection and Performance (AMPP) with permission of the author(s). Positions and opinions advanced in this work are those of the author(s) and not necessarily those of AMPP. Responsibility for the content of the work lies solely with the author(s).
2004
GOV
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