Many Ministry of Transportation of Ontario (MTO) projects consist of construction and maintenance of reinforced concrete structures. Where appropriate test methods exist, MTO has been moving towards use of performance-based specifications for durability control of concrete. MTO currently uses ASTM C1202 (RCPT) coulomb values to assess concrete durability. This test requires taking cores, so replacing this test with a faster non-destructive technique is important. The main focus of this program was to study the Wenner probe surface resistivity as a non-destructive test device and evaluate the potential for replacement of RCPT with the Wenner resistivity. This research program consists of the determination of RCPT values, water sorptivity coefficients and electrical resistivities (bulk and surface) of nine concrete mixtures. In addition, the development of the Wenner probe instrument was studied. As well, correlations between resistivity and ASTM C1202 and C1585 are provided followed by technical recommendations for improving the Wenner test.

Many Ministry of Transportation of Ontario (MTO) projects consist of construction and maintenance of reinforced concrete structures. Where appropriate test methods exist, MTO has been moving towards use of performance-based specifications for durability control of concrete. MTO currently uses ASTM C1202 (RCPT) coulomb values to assess concrete durability. This test requires taking cores, so replacing this test with a faster non-destructive technique is important. The main focus of this program was to study the Wenner probe surface resistivity as a non-destructive test device and evaluate the potential for replacement of RCPT with the Wenner resistivity. This research program consists of the determination of RCPT values, water sorptivity coefficients and electrical resistivities (bulk and surface) of nine concrete mixtures. In addition, the development of the Wenner probe instrument was studied. As well, correlations between resistivity and ASTM C1202 and C1585 are provided followed by technical recommendations for improving the Wenner test.