scholarly journals Additional Porosity as a Side Effect of Polycarboxylate Addition and Its Influence on Concrete’s Scaling Resistance

Materials ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 13 (2) ◽  
pp. 316
Author(s):  
Aneta Nowak-Michta
Keyword(s):  
Pore Structure ◽  
Side Effect ◽  
Freeze Thaw ◽  
Concrete Mixtures ◽  
Spacing Factor ◽  
Void System ◽  
Variable Content ◽  
Air Void ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Scaling Resistance

A side effect of using modified polycarboxylates to liquefy a concrete mix is additional pores in the concrete. They change the air void system in hardened concretes, and can be used to evaluate the freeze–thaw resistance of concretes. The purpose of this study is to determine the impact of the abovementioned quantitative and qualitative parameters on the freeze–thaw resistance of concretes. The research program was performed on eight sets of air-entraining and non-air-entraining concretes with a variable content of superplasticizer based on modified polycarboxylates. The basic composition of and air-entraining admixture content in the air-entraining concrete mixtures were held constant. Pore structure tests were performed according to EN 480-11. Scaling resistance was determined according to PKN-CEN/TS 12390-9. The results showed that as the content of modified polycarboxylates increased, the pore structure was adversely affected, and, consequently, the air void parameters deteriorated. At the same time, the freeze–thaw resistance of the non-air-entraining concretes decreased. The pores sizes also changed. As the fluidity increased, the specific surface area decreased, and, consequently, the spacing factor increased. The air-entraining concretes, despite the deterioration in the pore structure due to the modified polycarboxylates, were found to be very good quality concretes after 56 freeze–thaw cycles in the presence of 3% NaCl.

scholarly journals Freeze–Thaw Resistance and Air-Void Analysis of Concrete with Recycled Glass–Pozzolan Using X-ray Micro-Tomography

Materials ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 14 (1) ◽  
pp. 154
Author(s):  
Marija Krstic ◽  
Julio F. Davalos ◽  
Emanuele Rossi ◽  
Stefan C. Figueiredo ◽  
Oguzhan Copuroglu
Keyword(s):  
Fly Ash ◽  
Pore Structure ◽  
The United States ◽  
Adsorption Method ◽  
X Ray ◽  
Freeze Thaw ◽  
Void System ◽  
Spatial Parameters ◽  
Micro Tomography ◽  
Air Void

Recent studies have shown promising potential for using Glass Pozzolan (GP) as an alternative supplementary cementitious material (SCM) due to the scarcity of fly ash and slag in the United States. However, comprehensive studies on the freeze–thaw (FT) resistance and air void system of mixtures containing GP are lacking. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate GP’s effect on FT resistance and characterize mixtures with different GP contents, both macro- and microscopically. In this study, six concrete mixes were considered: Three mixes with 20%, 30% and 40% GP as cement replacements and two other comparable mixes with 30% fly ash and 40% slag, as well as a mix with 100% Ordinary Portland cement (OPC) as a reference. Concrete samples were prepared, cured and tested according to the ASTM standards for accelerated FT resistance for 1000 cycles and corresponding dynamic modulus of elasticity (Ed). All the samples showed minimal deterioration and scaling and high F/T resistance with a durability factor of over 90%. The relationships among FT resistance parameters, air-pressured method measurements of fresh concretes and air void analysis parameters of hardened concretes were examined in this study. X-ray micro-tomography (micro-CT scan) was used to evaluate micro-cracks development after 1000 freeze–thaw cycles and to determine spatial parameters of air voids in the concretes. Pore structure properties obtained from mercury intrusion porosimetry (MIP) and N2 adsorption method showed refined pore structure for higher cement replacement with GP, indicating more gel formation (C-S-H) which was verified by thermogravimetric analysis (TGA).

Effect of Pumping on Air Characteristics of Conventional Concrete

1996 ◽  
Vol 1532 (1) ◽  
pp. 9-14 ◽  
Author(s):  
M. Lessard ◽  
M. Baalbaki ◽  
P.-C. Aïtcin
Keyword(s):  
Specific Surface ◽  
Freezing And Thawing ◽  
Conventional Concrete ◽  
Freeze Thaw ◽  
Pump Line ◽  
Spacing Factor ◽  
Void System ◽  
The Stability ◽  
Air Void ◽  
Frost Durability

The stability of the air content of concrete during pumping has been the subject of a number of recent investigations. Because increasing volumes of concrete are placed with the aid of pumps and the durability of such concrete to freezing and thawing (ASTM C666) as well as the scaling resistance (ASTM C672) preoccupy engineers, a study concerning the stability of the air-void system of a concrete with 45 to 50 MPa compressive strength was carried out. The slump of the three tested concretes ranged between 85 and 115 mm. Three pumping setups were studied. In the first, the concrete was pumped horizontally; in the second the concrete was pumped upward and then downward. In the third, the vertical setup was used but a reduced section was placed at the end of the pump line, and the concrete was allowed to free fall a short distance. For each pump setup, the concrete was sampled before being placed in the pump and after leaving the pump. The results clearly show that when the concrete is pumped horizontally, the spacing factor (L) and the specific surface of the air-void system are barely altered. On the other hand, after pumping the concrete vertically without a reduced end section, it was impossible to obtain an L less than 230 μm, the maximum spacing factor allowed by Canadian standards (CSA A23.1) to ensure good frost durability. Furthermore, the specific surface of the air bubbles fell to 20 mm−1, which is inferior to the 25-mm−1 value recommended in Canadian standards. By placing a reduced section at the end of the vertical pump line, it was possible to enhance the air-void system but that procedure still fell short of ensuring a system that satisfies the air-void system recommended by Canadian standards to ensure proper frost durability. Although the pumped concrete mixtures did not always satisfy the requirements of CSA A23.1 regarding air-void systems, they satisfied the requirements of ASTM C666 (Procedure A) for resistance to freeze-thaw cycles. Freeze-thaw resistance in the presence of deicing salts was evaluated according to ASTM C672. After 50 frost cycles, all but one concrete exhibited mass losses that were lower than the maximum permissible limit of 0.50 kg/m2 required by BNQ 2621-900, the standard currently enforced in the province of Quebec. Placing a reduced section at the end of the pump line creates a light counterpressure in the descending section of the pump line, which allows the conservation of an acceptable air-void system. Considering the appreciable improvement in the preservation of air-void characteristics when a reduced section was placed at the end of the pump line, it was decided to proceed with further experimental work using four 90-degree elbows placed at the end of the vertically hanging pump line.

Béton produit en bétonnière mobile et en usine conventionnelle : comparaison des caractéristiques du réseau de bulles d'air

1988 ◽  
Vol 15 (3) ◽  
pp. 306-314
Author(s):  
Gaston Larose ◽  
Michel Pigeon
Keyword(s):  
Key Words ◽  
Laboratory Tests ◽  
Fresh Concrete ◽  
Mobile Unit ◽  
Freeze Thaw ◽  
Air Content ◽  
Spacing Factor ◽  
Void System ◽  
Concrete Mixer ◽  
Air Void

The durability of concrete to freeze-thaw cycles is dependent upon the existence of an adequate air-void system. There are very few studies on the air-void system of field concretes. Laboratory tests have proven that the air content measurement on the fresh concrete is not sufficient to judge the aptitude of the air-void system to protect the concrete from frost damage.This paper is a comparison of the air-void systems of field concretes produced in either a conventional plant or a mobile unit the use of which is becoming more and more frequent. The concretes produced in the conventional plant generally had sufficient air-void systems for air contents in the usual range (5–7%). The mobile unit showed that a slightly higher air content (8%) was needed to produce an adequate air-void system. Key words: concrete, mobile concrete-mixer, air-void systems, air-entraining agent, spacing factor, surface area, air content.

Effect of micro air void system on the permeability of latex-modified concretes with ordinary Portland and very early strength cements

2007 ◽  
Vol 34 (8) ◽  
pp. 895-901 ◽  
Author(s):  
K K Yun ◽  
D H Kim ◽  
K J Kim
Keyword(s):  
Image Analysis ◽  
Specific Surface ◽  
Average Distance ◽  
Chloride Permeability ◽  
Air Voids ◽  
Spacing Factor ◽  
Void System ◽  
Early Strength ◽  
Air Void ◽  
The Impact

This study focused on the impact of the micro air void system on the chloride permeability of latex-modified concretes with ordinary Portland and very early strength cements. The micro air void system was analyzed with the image analysis method. The results of this study will help field engineers and researchers gain a better understanding of the chloride permeability characteristics of latex-modified concretes. The results show that the latex-modified concretes made with both Portland and very early strength cements have more micro air voids, ranging 50 to 500 µm, than ordinary concretes. These small air voids decrease the spacing factor, which is defined as half the average distance that unstable water must travel to reach an escape boundary. The specific surface ranges from 8 to 27 mm–1 and the spacing factor ranges from 275 to 602 µm for ordinary Portland and very early strength cement concretes without and with latex modification. The specific surface tends to decrease as the spacing factor increases. The spacing factors of concretes tend to decrease with latex modification and with very early strength cement. It seems clear that the use of polymer latex in concrete can significantly lower the value of the air void spacing factor by entraining a large number of micro air voids (below 100 µm in diameter). Key words: latex-modified concrete (LMC), micro air void system, chloride permeability, image analysis.

scholarly journals Scaling Resistance and Air Void Characteristics in Concrete Containing GGBS

2016 ◽  
Vol 62 (4) ◽  
pp. 181-192 ◽  
Author(s):  
J. Wawrzeńczyk ◽  
A. Molendowska ◽  
T. Juszczak
Keyword(s):  
Frost Resistance ◽  
Air Entrainment ◽  
Test Results ◽  
Fundamental Factor ◽  
Air Content ◽  
Concrete Mixtures ◽  
Spacing Factor ◽  
Void System ◽  
Surface Scaling ◽  
Air Void

AbstractIn this paper we discuss the test results for concretes containing various amounts of ggbs as compared to concretes made with Portland cement. The main objective of these tests is to evaluate the influence of varying air content in such mixtures on the structure and frost resistance of concrete. The authors suggest that the approach presented here allows for a safe design of concrete mixtures in terms of their frost resistance.The results indicate that concrete can be resistant to surface scaling even at the W/C ratio markedly higher than 0.45. Increased addition of ggbs leads to a decrease in concrete resistance to surface scaling. Proper air entrainment is the fundamental factor for frost-resistant concrete, and the air void system has to be assessed (micropore content A300, spacing factor $\overline L $). The addition of ggbs increases pore diameters, thus, to obtain the appropriate air pore spacing factor, micropore quantities introduced have to be increased.

scholarly journals Environmental Assessment of Frost-resistant Concrete with Superabsorbent Polymers

2020 ◽  
Vol 63 (2) ◽  
pp. 43-62
Author(s):  
Gui Li ◽  
Marianne Tange Hasholt ◽  
Ole Mejlhede Jensen
Keyword(s):  
Environmental Impact ◽  
Concrete Strength ◽  
Significant Loss ◽  
Strength Increase ◽  
Life Cycle Assessment Methodology ◽  
Void System ◽  
Strength And Durability ◽  
Air Entraining Agents ◽  
Air Void ◽  
The Impact

AbstractAir-entraining agents (AEA) are normally used to improve the frost resistance of concrete. However, it is not possible to accurately control the air void system in concrete with AEA. Thus, a significant loss of concrete strength is caused by over-dosing voids, and this increases the environmental impact from concrete structures. Superabsorbent polymer (SAP) can also be used to produce frost-resistant concrete. Compared to AEA, it can be used to precisely engineer the air void structure of concrete, promote cement hydration, and mitigate self-desiccation cracks. In this study, life cycle assessment methodology is applied to evaluate the overall environmental impact of frost-resistant concrete based on AEA and SAP, respectively. The results illustrate that frost-resistant concrete with SAP has a lower environmental impact than frost-resistant concrete with AEA if the strength and durability of concrete are considered in the defined functional unit. In addition, frost-resistant concrete with SAP reduces the environmental burdens of the vertical elements such as columns, but it increases the environmental load of the horizontal elements such as slabs, where the strength increase cannot be utilized. Moreover, the inventory data for AEA and SAP can affect the impact assessment results.

Influence de la température minimale du cycle de gel–dégel sur la détérioration du béton par écaillage en présence de sels fondants

1996 ◽  
Vol 23 (3) ◽  
pp. 595-601
Author(s):  
J. Marchand ◽  
M. Pigeon ◽  
L. Boisvert
Keyword(s):  
Test Procedure ◽  
Air Entrainment ◽  
Freezing Temperature ◽  
Freezing And Thawing ◽  
Concrete Mixtures ◽  
Conditioning Period ◽  
Binder Ratio ◽  
Freezing Cycle ◽  
Air Void ◽  
Scaling Resistance

Eight different concrete mixtures were prepared to investigate the influence of the minimum temperature of the freezing and thawing cycle on scaling deterioration due to deicer salt. In addition to the two minimum temperatures studied (−18 and −9 °C), test variables included the type of binder (with or without silica fume), the water/binder ratio (0.35 or 0.45), the characteristics of the air-void network (with or without air entrainment), and the drying temperature during the conditioning period prior to the scaling test (20, 40, or 110 °C). The scaling resistance to deicer salt of all concrete mixtures was assessed according to the prescriptions of the ASTM C672 test procedure using a 3 % NaCl solution. Test results indicate that a reduction of the minimal temperature from −9 to −18 °C significantly increases the scaling deterioration of concrete due to deicer salt. Key words: freezing cycle, scaling resistance, minimal freezing temperature, deicer salts.

Material Characteristics Evaluation of Existing Pre-Stressed Concrete Railroad Ties After Service Period

2018 ◽  
Author(s):  
Aref Shafiei Dastgerdi ◽  
Kyle Riding ◽  
Robert J. Peterman ◽  
B. Terry Beck
Keyword(s):  
Service Life ◽  
High Speed ◽  
Current Status ◽  
Polished Surface ◽  
Material Characteristic ◽  
Freeze Thaw ◽  
Material Characteristics ◽  
Void System ◽  
Different Types ◽  
Air Void

As an important element in track, pre-stressed concrete railroad ties in the high-speed rail industry must meet the safety and performance specifications of high-speed trains. Systematic destructive and non-destructive evaluation of existing concrete ties can lead to a better understanding of the effect of prestressed concrete tie material design on performance and failure within their service life. It has been evident that environmental and climate conditions also have a significant impact on concrete railroad ties, causing various forms of deterioration such as abrasion and freeze-thaw damage. Understanding of the material characteristics that cause failure in different types of existing concrete railroad ties taken from different places is the main focus of this paper. Observing the current status and damages of railroad ties taken from track might give a correlation between the material characteristic and type of distress and cracking seen. Although it has been seen by previous works that effective factors such as air void system and material composition directly affect the performance of concrete ties such as freeze-thaw, material evaluation of existing ties after service life has not been addressed in previous publications. In this research, the authors have investigated the material characteristic such as aggregate and air-void system of existing pre-stressed concrete railroad ties taken from track. However, compressive and splitting tensile strength and fractured surface of samples cored from the ties were acquired. In order to obtain the strength of concrete materials of existing ties, six samples were cored from six different types of ties taken from tracks across the U.S., according to ASTM C42-16, and tested using ASTM C39 and ASTM C496 methods. However, the concrete air-void system (ASTM C457) was measured on saw-cut samples extracted from the ties to evaluate the influence air content and distribution on mechanical properties of the ties. Regarding the history and service life condition of the ties, it seems that material properties of the ties effectively alter the performance of the ties. Aggregate sources used at each location may have different properties such as texture, angularity, and mineralogy, contributing either propagation or resistance in splitting cracking in concrete. Furthermore, the polished surface of samples extracted from the ties show the uniformity and air void system in some ties which demonstrate their superiority in terms of resistance to freeze-thaw damage. Considering the results of this research, comprehensive evaluation of material characteristics might give a better view of existing concrete railroad ties situation, providing a worthwhile background for future tie design considerations.

Precision of the air void characteristics measurement by ASTM C 457: results of an interlaboratory test program

1996 ◽  
Vol 23 (5) ◽  
pp. 1118-1128 ◽  
Author(s):  
François Saucier ◽  
Richard Pleau ◽  
Daniel Vézina
Keyword(s):  
Test Method ◽  
Interlaboratory Study ◽  
Hardened Concrete ◽  
Probability Of Error ◽  
Air Content ◽  
Spacing Factor ◽  
Interlaboratory Test ◽  
Void System ◽  
Concrete Production ◽  
Air Void

Since 1993, the Quebec Department of Transportation requires all its concrete suppliers to demonstrate that their concrete satisfies the requirements of the CSA A23.1 standard as regards the maximum spacing factor of the air void system. This new requirement raises questions about the reproducibility of the ASTM C 457 test method. An interlaboratory study was carried out to verify if the variability of the test method is sufficiently low to allow reliable decisions on the acceptance or rejection of in-place hardened concrete. A total of 18 operators from 13 different laboratories microscopically examined the six concrete slabs used for the study. It is concluded that the average reproducibility coefficient of variation is 14.4% for the total air content measurement and 14.2% for the spacing factor measurement. Considering these results, the probability that the measured value of the spacing factor exceeds the mandatory limit of 230 μm on a concrete production containing an air void system with a spacing factor of 170 μm (the target value proposed in the CSA A23.1 M-94 standard) is less than 0.7% (a probability of error of about 1%, 5%, or 10% is typical of most quality control test methods). Key words: concrete, air content, air void measurement, spacing factor, ASTM C 457 standard, interlaboratory study, freeze–thaw durability.

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