A Study on Electromagnetic Properties in OPC Mortar with Different Chloride Content

Recently, the evaluation technique using NDT (Nondestructive Technique : NDT) is widely utilized because it makes little damage on RC (Reinforced Concrete : RC) structures. The techniques using electromagnetic properties (EM properties) are also attempted for the evaluation of the performance of concrete which is nonmetallic. For the economic manufacturing of concrete material, sea-sand is often used as aggregate, however, chloride ion in concrete has direct effects on steel corrosion and EM properties. In this study, OPC mortar specimens with 5 different chloride amount (0.0, 0.6, 1.2, 2.4, and ) and 3 different water-cement ratios (45%, 55%, and 65%) are prepared in order to investigate the EM properties corresponding to concrete properties. The EM properties of conductivity and dielectric constant are measured in the frequency range over 0.2~20 GHz. To facilitate the comparison of EM properties with chloride content, average values are taken respectively for the conductivity and dielectric constant measured over the 5~20 GHz frequency range. According to the results of this experiment, dielectric constant and conductivity are increased with lower W/C ratio and larger amount of chloride content.