Durability of Concrete

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In spite of developments in concrete technology, concrete in extreme environments continues to prematurely deteriorate. In part this results from utilization of new materials without adequate evaluation of potential impacts, or from use of inadequate specifications or construction methods, but it also results 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. Specifically, there are four main areas of research focus: (1) better characterization of pore structure, fluid ingress mechanisms and improving prediction of service life of concretes exposed to chloride environments, (2) improving the prediction of alkali-silica reaction, (3) developing new methodologies for concrete's resistance to different sulfate attack mechanisms, and (4) reducing the risk of early-age non-structural cracking.****The overarching objectives are to increase the understanding of deterioration mechanisms in concrete, to develop innovative solutions and tests and use them to promote transformative changes in the industry through adoption of performance tests and specifications that will improve the durability and extend the service life of concrete.******