Durability Indicators Comparison for SCC and CC in Tropical Coastal Environments.

Carlos Calado,Paulo Helene,Béda Barkokébas,Aires Camões,Eliana Monteiro

doi:10.3390/ma8041459

Carlos Calado, Paulo Helene + Show 3 more

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https://doi.org/10.3390/ma8041459

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Abstract

Self-compacting concrete (SCC) demands more studies of durability at higher temperatures when subjected to more aggressive environments in comparison to the conventional vibrated concrete (CC). This work aims at presenting results of durability indicators of SCC and CC, having the same water/binder relations and constituents. The applied methodologies were electrical resistivity, diffusion of chloride ions and accelerated carbonation experiments, among others, such as microstructure study, scanning electron microscope and microtomography experiments. The tests were performed in a research laboratory and at a construction site of the Pernambuco Arena. The obtained results shows that the SCC presents an average electrical resistivity 11.4% higher than CC; the average chloride ions diffusion was 63.3% of the CC; the average accelerated carbonation penetration was 45.8% of the CC; and the average open porosity was 55.6% of the CC. As the results demonstrated, the SCC can be more durable than CC, which contributes to elucidate the aspects related to its durability and consequent prolonged life cycle.

Highlights

In structures, concrete is usually associated with steel rebar to form reinforced concrete or prestressed concrete
For the research laboratory studies (SCC_Lab and CC_Lab) and for the construction site of the Pernambuco Arena (SCC_AP and CC_AP), the specimens were molded at room temperature, 32 °C, with the goal of representing the real conditions of the region studied
If the results of the performed tests show that the durability of self-compacting concrete (SCC) is compatible or even higher than CC, its utilization may represent an advantageous option to be applied in structures constructed in the region

Summary

Introduction

Concrete is usually associated with steel rebar to form reinforced concrete or prestressed concrete. The structure will interact with the environment around it and, as a consequence, its materials are willing to develop reactions that may alter its initial conditions, not fulfilling the role that they were designed to perform, endangering, in this way, its durability. According to Neville [1], concrete must be able to withstand the expected process of deterioration due to the surrounding environment. Undefined life cycle does not mean durability, and it is not related to the ability to bear any mechanical or aggressive load on the concrete. Neville [1] recognizes that the main importance was always given to mechanical strength of concrete. Nowadays it is assumed that strong concrete is a durable concrete, and both properties, mechanical strength and durability, must be considered explicitly in the design phase

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