Effect of stress on the electric polarization in cement

Compressive stress was found to diminish the extent of electric polarizatio n in the transverse direction in cement pastes with and without carbon fibe rs, as shown by electrical resistivity measurement conducted over time. In addition, the stress decreased the time for polarization to essentially rea ch completion. The extent of polarization was much smaller when carbon fibe rs were present. It was smaller for carbon fiber cement paste containing si lica fume than that containing latex. The time for polarization to reach co mpletion was less than 5 s for carbon fiber silica fume cement paste at a c ompressive stress of 6.74 MPa. Polarization reversal was hastened by stress . (C) 2001 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.