Numerical investigation of the role of embedded reinforcement mesh on electrical resistivity measurements of concrete using the Wenner probe technique

A numerical investigation was conducted to study the role of rebar mesh on the electrical resistivity measurements of concrete using the Wenner probe technique. The effects of rebar spacing, cover thickness, the location of the Wenner probe with respect to the rebar mesh, and slab thickness were investigated. The results revealed that current guidelines for taking resistivity measurements over rebar mesh do not necessarily provide the most accurate results. As much as 30 % increase in accuracy can be achieved just by selecting appropriate orientation or location for the Wenner probe. Having the probe placed parallel to the top rebars midway between both top and bottom bars was found to be the most suitable arrangement to minimize the rebar mesh interference on the electrical resistivity measurements.