Durability of Concrete

点击翻译按钮获取中文摘要

In spite of developments in concrete technology, concrete in extreme environments continues to prematurely deteriorate. In part, this results from the use of new materials without adequate consideration of side effects, but mostly from the use of inadequate tests, specifications or construction methods, and also from a lack of understanding of all the factors which influence durability. The pore structure and resultant fluid penetration resistance of the cement paste matrix and paste-aggregate interfacial regions govern the durability of concrete to most causes of distress. In this proposal, these properties will continue to be studied with applications in resistance to: chloride ingress, reinforcement corrosion, freezing and thawing, alkali-aggregate reactions, and sulphate resistance. Other aspects of durability such as crack resistance (to thermal and moisture-related shrinkage) and improved durability-based performance specifications are also being studied.