Conductivity Sensors to Monitor Cover-zone Performance

This paper presents developments in the use of an embedded, multi-electrode conductivity sensor to study the response of the concrete cover-zone to environmental action. The sensor enables an evaluation of the temporal and spatial variation of electrical conductivity thereby allowing an integrated assessment of the cover-zone. Conductivity sensors were embedded within concrete samples to study the cover-zone response to cyclic wetting and drying under laboratory conditions. This work was extended to include the use of remote interrogation methods to study samples placed at a marine exposure site and preliminary results are presented.