The water penetration test as a method to assess the durability of a concrete used i nhighway bridge structures

Abstract

Permeability is one of the concrete characteristics that could better be used to evaluate concrete durability. With this aim a study has been carried out in the Laboratorio Central de Estructuras y Materiales (CEDEX) in order to set up several techiniques to control concrete permeability. Within this study the use of a method known as ""water penetration"" was included. The mentioned method is described in this paper, as well as the process followed to set ut up in order to solve some operational problems arised from its practical development. Some of the first results obtained during the study are also included, as well as some comments to the especifications which are included in the project of standard ENV-206.