Mechanical, Electrical and Microstructural Properties of Cement-Based Materials in Conditions of Stray Current Flow

This investigation presents a comparative study on mechanical properties, electrical resistivity and microstructure of mortar under DC current, compared to mortar in rest (no current) conditions. Monitoring was performed from 24h after casting until 84 days of cement hydration. A current density level of 10 mA/m2 was chosen as a simulation regime. It was found that the DC current exerts microstructural changes in the bulk mortar matrix and thereby affects electrical properties and mechanical performance. Whereas the latter were slightly influenced, the former were modified to a more significant extent; the current flow was found to cause initial densification of the bulk matrix at earlier stages (until 14 days of age), whereas coarsening of the material was observed after 56 and until 84 days of cement hydration. Additionally, numerical simulation of the stray current distribution is performed, meant to serve as a basis for further elaborated modelling of the level of current density that could exert significant microstructural alterations in a bulk cement-based matrix.