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Concrete resistivity

Corrosion of reinforcing steel is an electro-chemical process. For corrosion of the steel to occur a current must pass between the anodic and cathodic regions of the concrete. The electrical resistivity of the concrete affects the flow of ions and the rate at which corrosion can occur. A higher concrete resistivity decreases the flow; an empirical relationship between corrosion rate and resistivity has been determined from measurements on actual structures.

Various approaches for measuring resistivity are available but the four-probe device is the most suitable. Modern devices are spring-loaded and are applied directly to the surface. A current is applied between the two outer probes and the potential difference measured between the two inner probes. Resistivity measurement is useful for identifying areas of reinforced concrete at risk from corrosion. It should not be considered in isolation but used in conjunction with other techniques such as half-cell potential.

Acknowledgement: The Concrete Society

Other references:Current Practice Sheet 128, Measuring concrete resistivity to assess corrosion rates, CONCRETE, February 2002, pp 37-39.
(Note that copies of Concrete Society Current Practice Sheets can be downloaded from the Members Area of the Concrete Society web site.)

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TR54 Diagnosis of deterioration in concrete structures- identification of defects, evaluation an

TR60 Electrochemical tests for reinforcement corrosion

TG2 Guide to testing and monitoring the durability of concrete structures