ABSTRACT
Most deterioration actions affecting the durability of concrete structures are related to the penetration of aggressive agents from the environment into the concrete.
This chapter deals with the relevance of permeability as key concrete property. The chapter starts with a historical note on pioneer scientists or fathers of “permeability laws” (J.L.M. Poiseuille, G.H.L. Hagen and H. Darcy) followed by its relation to pore structures of concrete investigated by Dr. T. C. Powers.
Water-permeability of concrete is relevant to structures that contain or transport water (or other liquids), in particular dams, tanks containing water or other liquids, retaining walls, canals, culverts, pipes, etc.
Gas-permeability of concrete is relevant to structures that contain or transport gases, in particular tanks and pipes, underground gas reservoirs to store/release energy, evacuated tunnels for high speed trains, etc.
In this section, some engineering applications in which concrete permeability plays a key role, not specifically associated to durability, are presented.
