Novel method for measuring porosity of high strength concrete

Abstract

This paper describes design and development of a novel apparatus for the measurement of porosity for normal and high strength mortar and concrete using pressure saturation method. A detailed description of design, test procedure and evaluation of results of the pressure saturation apparatus is presented. Porosity values obtained using the apparatus are highly repeatable and reproducible. The apparatus is sensitive to the age, influence of water-binder ratio and replacements of cement by cementitious materials. The apparatus yielded full saturation for high strength and dense mortar and concrete. The porosity values for normal strength concrete using the pressure saturation apparatus are in good agreement with the results obtained using vacuum saturation method proposed by RILEM.