Influence of an Applied Compressive Load on Capillary Absorption of Concrete: Observation of Anisotropy

Abstract

lt has been shown that capillary absorption and chloride penetration as well as carbonation are significantly influenced by application of a mechanical stress. This has obviously an influence of service life of reinforced concrete structures in practice. In the article capillary absorption has been studied under the influence of an applied compressive stress. The influence of micro-crack formation and creep of concrete on capillary absorption has been of particular interest. Results can be explained on the basis of changes of the pore structure under sustained load. (A)