Effect of moisture content on compressive and split tensile strength of concrete

Abstract

The aim of this study is to evaluate the moisture effect on the strength of concrete specimens that has completely cured. This study is also aimed to develop relations that can be used to determine the properties of concrete with different moisture contents that are normally experienced in outside conditions. Numerous compressions and split tensile tests are performed. In order to better understand the results obtained from mechanical tests, a simple empirical formula is suggested that accurately fits experimentally measured sorption data for concrete specimens. Analysis of the collected test results suggests that the moisture content in concrete does have a significant effect on the compressive strength of concrete, but has a much lesser effect on the split tensile strength. As the specimen degrees of saturation increased, the compressive strength fell. However, at nearly saturated condition, an increase in compressive strength can be found.