Published online by Cambridge University Press: 10 February 2011
In this paper, experimental results and modelling of the coupling between diffusivity and cracks in cement-based systems are presented.
The cracks were generated in samples by means of a compression test. In this test, displacement is controlled, thus controlling the opening of the cracks. Diffusion tests on samples obtained at three different compression levels corresponding to three cracked states were then performed using tritiated water. These tests showed diffusivity was affected by the existence of cracks and the main effect was observed when cracks crossed the whole specimen (e.g. in the post-peak regime of the compression test).
Finally the diffusion test was modelled in a simple way, assuming that the cracks were circumscribed by parallel planes. With this model, an equivalent opening of the cracks, which was of the same order as the opening estimated using strain measurements or image analysis, was obtained.