Ghulam Ishaaq Khan Institue of Engineering Sciences and Technology

MUHAMMAD DAANIAL KHAN

u2018555@giki.edu.pk

Permeability​ is explained as the property that controls the rate of fluid flow in a porous solid.
Permeability is also can be defined ability to resist weathering action, chemical attack, abrasion,
or any process of deterioration. It is a measure of the amount of water, air, and other
substances that can enter the concrete matrix. Concrete is porous and therefore these
substances can either enter or depart. Permeability of concrete can be a major reason for
concrete deteriorating due to reinforcing steel corrosion and other mechanisms. The
permeability occurs in hardened concrete in two circumstances; firstly from the air pockets
trapped within due to incomplete compaction and secondly from the empty space due to mixing
water being evaporated away.

PERMEABILITY FACTORS

1. Water to Cement ratio

Water to cement ratio affects the concrete permeability significantly. The greater the w/c ratio
the higher degree of the concrete permeability. In such a situation, not only does significant free
water remain in concrete after completion of cement hydration but also particles of cement and
aggregate would not result in being as compact as in the case of low w/c ratio.
Because of this, pores are developed which are not filled with hydration product. Therefore,
concrete would be permeable when free water clears off of the pores due to evaporation.
Generally, at a w/c ratio of around 0.4, permeability is practically negligible. Finally,
superplasticizer with mixture allows the use of low w/c ratio, so concrete with low permeability
can be composed with the use of superplasticizer.

2. Compaction of Concrete
When concrete is sufficiently compacted, air pockets and trapped water in concrete are
removed. Consequently, pores and interconnected pores are prevented from developing and
eventually concrete permeability is decreased.
Therefore, it is of prime importance to choose proper and suitable compaction equipment during
concrete placement and look over the work to accomplish the required compaction.

3. Curing of Concrete
It is obvious that the curing of concrete substantially influences the permeability of concrete.
Sufficient curing allows proper cement hydration. Subsequently, pores in concrete would be
filled with hydration product.
Ghulam Ishaaq Khan Institue of Engineering Sciences and Technology

MUHAMMAD DAANIAL KHAN

u2018555@giki.edu.pk

4. Curing
Moist-curing for a week (as per recommendation in ACI 308, SPCC), resulted in a much
impermeable concrete. The following graph shows the relationship between permeability, w/c
ratio, and initial moist-curing for 4x8-inch cylindrical concrete specimens tested after 90 days of
air drying and subjected to 3000 psi of water pressure. Although permeability values would be
different for other liquids and gases, the relationship between w/c ratio, curing period, and
permeability would be similar.

5. Use of Admixtures
Latex emulsions, silica fume, and high-range water reducers, to name a few, allow arrangement
of highly impermeable concrete. More information on the effects of these admixtures, concrete
mix design, and curing are required so that low permeability concretes can be consistently
specified and produced.