The water permeability of concrete and its relationship with strength

As part of a much broader programme to evaluate the performance of concretes for use in reinforced and pre-stressed containments for liquid gases, seventeen concrete mixes, ranging in strength from 16 to 100N/mm2, were subjected to screening tests by measurement of the water permeability coefficient. Specimens were stored in sealed conditions at 20° C and tests were also carried out to determine the compressive and tensile splitting strengths. The relationships between permeability and strength are discussed, as well as the influence of concreting materials, mix proportions and curing.