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Air Permeability Measurement

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  22 February 2011

Daniel Perraton,
André Carles-Gibergues,
Pierre-Claude Aitcin and
Bernard Thenoz
Daniel Perraton
Affiliation:
Research assistant, Sherbrooke (Québec) J1k 2R1
André Carles-Gibergues
Affiliation:
Associate professor at the Institut National des Sciences Appliquées, 156 Avenue de Rangueil, 31077 Toulouse, Cédex France
Pierre-Claude Aitcin
Affiliation:
Full professor at the Université de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke (Québec) J1k 2R1
Bernard Thenoz
Affiliation:
Associate professor at the Institut National des Sciences Appliquées, 156 Avenue de Rangueil, 31077 Toulouse, Cédex France
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Abstract

Air permeability was determined for concretes of variable porosity (w/c ratio of 0.33, 0.50, and 0.67). The reproducibility of the test and the ability to characterize the permeability of different concrete were evaluated. Results indicate that air permeability test gives suitable reproducibility with a margin of error of 10%, which tends to improve with increase in w/c ratio. The difference in air permeability of concretes with the w/c ratios investigated are distinguishable by this technique. Furthermore air permeability coefficients used were modified with equations derived in accordance to Darcy's law, and the resulting air permeabilities compared. Data calculated with an air permeability coefficient based on mean radius pore (corrected equation) appears to give a more realistic value with greater differentiation between the ranges. Values were determined on specimens after 28 days, maintained at room temperature (50% RH), then again after an additional 2 days at 60°C in a ventilated oven. Oven-dried specimens exhibit significantly greater air permeability.

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References

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