Effect of stress on the electric polarization in cement

Compressive stress was found to diminish the extent of electric polarization in the transverse direction in cement pastes with and without carbon fibers, as shown by electrical resistivity measurement conducted over time. In addition, the stress decreased the time for polarization to essentially reach completion. The extent of polarization was much smaller when carbon fibers were present. It was smaller for carbon fiber cement paste containing silica fume than that containing latex. The time for polarization to reach completion was less than 5 s for carbon fiber silica fume cement paste at a compressive stress of 6.74 MPa. Polarization reversal was hastened by stress.