A testing methodology for performance-based specification

Satisfactory guidelines for ensuring adequate reinforced concrete durability can only be developed by monitoring concrete performance under a range of field exposure conditions over an extended period of time. Only then can there be a move from prescriptive durability specifications (minimum grade, maximum water-binder ratio, and minimum cement content) to performance-based methods. The situation is also made more complex by the range of cements now available – BS EN 197 defines a total of 27 products in the family of common cements. Implementation of both design for durability and performance-based standards and specifications are limited by the lack of rapid, simple, science-based test methods for characterizing the transport properties and deterioration resistance of concrete. This paper presents an overview of performance-based specification and developments in the application of electrical property measurements as a candidate testing methodology in evaluating the relative performance of concrete mixes. The technique lends itself to in situ monitoring, thereby allowing measurements to be obtained on the as-placed concrete.