An Estimation on the Performance of High Fluidity Anti-Washout Underwater Concrete

Abstract

The placing of anti-washout underwater concrete for the increasing construction of offshore foundations of long-span bridges at relatively deep sea is accompanied with significant loss of the quality of concrete as well as of the durability and reliability of the structure due to limitations brought by the workability of the high-pressure pump and the performance of the anti-washout agent. Therefore, the improvement of the performance of the underwater anti-washout agent and the development of high fluidity anti-washout underwater concrete exhibiting improved packing ability and fluidity should be implemented. Accordingly, this study focuses on the concrete for foundations applied in the RCD (Reverse Circulation Drill) method. The adequate mix proportions of a high fluidity anti-washout underwater concrete satisfying a design compressive strength of 35 MPa, slump flow larger than 600 mm and with less than 50 mg/ℓ of suspended solids is derived and the corresponding characteristics are evaluated.