Variability of Sorptivity in the Concrete Element According to the Method of Compacting

Sorptivity is one of the parameters which describe the durability performance of concrete. Its value depends not only on the composition of concrete mixture (including among others w/c ratio) but also on the curing procedure. The presented study attempts to determine the impact of the compacting procedure on the value of concrete sorptivity and its distribution along the height of the element.Sorptivity tests of two concretes were made. Each concrete was manufactured in two coarse aggregate variants: with natural aggregate and with mixture of natural and recycled concrete aggregate (RCA). Tests were performed on the specimens obtained by slicing cores drilled from 260 mm high concrete blocks. Concrete in the blocks was compacted by three methods and the sorptivity was measured at different distances from the block upper surface. The results of the tests were compared with the results obtained on the 150 mm cube specimens cured in different conditions.The results showed a clear (approximately linear) decrease of sorptivity values with distance from the upper surface of the element. The influence of the compaction method on the values of sorptivity and it distribution along the height of concrete element is also clearly visible.