Electrical resistivity measurement applied to cracking assessment on reinforced concrete structures in civil engineering

Non-destructive evaluation appears more and more important in the civil engineering economic stakes. In this context electrical resistivity measurements get sensitivity to parameters allowing to assess concrete structures conditions. This article analyses the ability of the resistivity measurement to study cracks in concrete. Its ability to detect and to locate cracks and spalling is shown with on site measurements on a damaged slab. Then specific studies on such disorders allow to distinguish the influence of their characteristics.The sensitivity of the method to cracks depth, according their moisture conditions, is assessed by computation. Experimental works on a reinforced concrete beam, ideally cracked, confirmed these results.Some assumptions based on measurements realised on a size-one structural component allow to assess the general influence of crack opening and bridging degree between crack lips.Qualitative results show the similar effects on measurement of various cracking parameters. Prospective works presented in the paper lead us to say that electrical resistivity method applied to civil engineering structures is a relevant tool for the assessment of structural damage.