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Title: Influence of compaction on the interfacial transition zone and the permeability of concrete

Journal Article · · Cement and Concrete Research
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  1. EMPA, Swiss Federal Institute for Materials Testing and Research, Uberlandstr. 129, 8600 Duebendorf (Switzerland)

The interfacial transition zone (ITZ) is regarded as a key feature for the transport properties and the durability of concrete. In this study one self-compacting concrete (SCC) mixture and two conventionally vibrated concrete (CVC) mixtures are studied in order to determine the influence of compaction on the porosity of the ITZ. Additionally oxygen permeability and water conductivity were measured in vertical and horizontal direction. The quantitative analysis of images made with an optical microscope and an environmental scanning electron microscope shows a significantly increased porosity and width of the ITZ in CVC compared to SCC. At the same time oxygen permeability and water conductivity of CVC are increased in comparison to SCC. Moreover, considerable differences in the porosity of the lower, lateral and upper ITZ are observed in both types of concrete. The anisotropic distribution of pores in the ITZ does not necessarily cause anisotropy in oxygen permeability and water conductivity though.

OSTI ID:
20871564
Journal Information:
Cement and Concrete Research, Vol. 36, Issue 8; Conference: 10. EUROSEMINAR on microscopy applied to building materials, Paisley, Scotland (United Kingdom), 21-25 Jun 2005; Other Information: DOI: 10.1016/j.cemconres.2006.02.010; PII: S0008-8846(06)00037-8; Copyright (c) 2006 Elsevier Science B.V., Amsterdam, The Netherlands, All rights reserved; Country of input: International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA); ISSN 0008-8846
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English