12/10/2019 Permeability 

of Concrete and Factors Influencing It

(https://theconstructor.org/)

Permeability of Concrete and Factors Influe

Permeability of concrete is defined as the property that controls the rate of flow of fluid
largely depends on the size of pores, connectivity of pores, and how tortuous the path is

The pores relevant to permeability are those with a minimum diameter of 120 or 160nm
connected. Isolated pores, pores filled with water, and pores with a narrow entrance an
permeability.

There are several factors which influence the durability such as water to cement ratio, c
concrete curing, and age of concrete. So, such factors shall be taken into consideration d
construction of concrete structure.

Factors Influencing Concrete Permeability

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12/10/2019 Permeability of Concrete and Factors Influencing It

There are three major factors that influence the permeability of concrete :

1. Water to Cement ratio

Water to cement ratio influences concrete permeability to a great extent. The higher the
concrete permeability. In this case, not only does sizable free water remain in concrete a
hydration but also particles of cement and aggregate would not be as compact as in the
cement ratio.

Consequently, it creates pores which are not filled with hydration product. Hence, concr
when free water leaves the pores due to evaporation or any other reason. Fig.1 explains
water to cement ratio and concrete permeability. Typically, at a water cement ratio of a
practically nil.

Finally, superplasticizer with mixture allows the use of low water to cement ratio, so con
permeability can be produced with the use of superplasticizer.  

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Fig. 1: Relationship Between Permeability and Water to

Cement Ratio for Mature Cement Paste

2. Compaction of Concrete

When concrete is adequately compacted, air-voids and trapped bleed water in concrete
pores and more importantly interconnected pores are avoided and eventually concrete

Therefore, it is crucial to select and use proper and suitable compaction equipment duri
and supervise the work to achieve the desired compaction.

3. Curing of Concrete

It is obvious that curing of concrete substantially influences the permeability of concret

proper cement hydration. Subsequently, pores in concrete would be filled with hydratio

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12/10/2019 Permeability of Concrete and Factors Influencing It

Fig. 2: Factors Controlling Permeability

4. Other Factors

There are other factors that affect concrete permeability, but are not as influential as th
example, age of concrete, cement properties, aggregate, use of admixtures, and loss of m
declines as the concrete age increases because pores would be filled by hydration produ

(https://theconstructor.org/author/madeh/)

About Madeh Izat Hamakareem

(https://theconstructor.org/author/made
Madeh is a Structural Engineer who works as Assistant Lecturer in Koya University. He is th
at theconstructor.org.

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