Influence of freeze-thaw cycles on capillary absorption and chloride penetration into concrete

Journal Article · Sun Oct 15 04:00:00 EDT 2017 · Cement and Concrete Research

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1016/J.CEMCONRES.2017.05.018· OSTI ID:22701570

Zhang, Peng ^[1]; Vogel, Michael; Müller, Harald S. ^[2]; Zhao, Tiejun ^[1]

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1. Center for Durability & Sustainability Studies of Shandong Province, Qingdao University of Technology, Qingdao 266033 (China)
2. Institute of Concrete Structures and Building Materials, Karlsruhe Institute of Technology, 76131 Karlsruhe (Germany)

Combined mechanical and environmental actions reduce service life of reinforced concrete structures more than each of the participating actions alone. In this contribution, the influence of freeze-thaw cycles on capillary water absorption and chloride penetration into ordinary concrete with two different water-cement ratios and air-entrained concrete was investigated. Water profiles in concrete were quantified by neutron radiography. Capillary water absorption and chloride penetration are both slowed down considerably by air entrainment. Chloride ions dissolved in water are filtered out of the penetrating salt solution and remain concentrated near the surface. Capillary water absorption and chloride penetration into ordinary concrete are accelerated considerably by frost damage. After exposure to freeze-thaw cycles a damage gradient from the surface to the center of the samples was observed. Transport mechanisms were studied in some detail and the data obtained can serve as a basis for more realistic prediction of service life of reinforced concrete structures under the influence of combined freeze-thaw cycles and chloride penetration.

• OSTI ID: 22701570
• Journal Information: Cement and Concrete Research, Journal Name: Cement and Concrete Research Vol. 100; ISSN CCNRAI; ISSN 0008-8846
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE
ABSORPTION
CAPILLARIES
CEMENTS
CHLORIDES
CHLORINE IONS
NEUTRON RADIOGRAPHY
REINFORCED CONCRETE
SERVICE LIFE