%20vector%20logo.svg)
The particular features of the TORRENT method are a two-chamber vacuum cell and a pressure regulator, which ensure that an air flow at right angles to the surface is directed towards the inner chamber.
The particular features of the TORRENT method are a two-chamber vacuum cell and a pressure regulator, which ensure that an air flow at right angles to the surface is directed towards the inner chamber. This permits the calculation of the concrete or cement permeability coefficient kT on the basis of a simple theoretical model.
The unit has a user-friendly menu technique and measures the pressure increase as a function of time according to a specific sequence. The associated data is automatically collected by the display unit and the permeability coefficient kT and the depth of penetration L of the vacuum are calculated. The measurement takes 2-12 minutes, depending on the permeability of the concrete. In the case of dry concrete, the quality class of the concrete cover can be read from a table using the kT value. In the case of moist concrete, kT is combined with the electrical concrete resistance p (rho) and the quality class is determined from a nomogram.
The TORRENT permeability tester is based on investigations which were carried out by the research centre of ""Holderbank Management and Consulting Ltd."", Switzerland. The results of these measurements, which were made in the laboratory and on the building site, are in good agreement with laboratory methods, such as oxygen permeability, capillary suction, chloride penetration, etc.
