Durability of high performance concrete in cold climate and exposure to deicing salts

Abstract

By definition, High Performance Concrete (HPC) contains one or more Supplementary Cementitious Materials (SCMs) and hydraulic cement, has a low water to cement ratio, usually contains a superplasticizer, and almost invariably contains silica fume. The performance characteristics include long service life, dimensional stability, ease of placement, and load carrying capacity. In a majority of project specifications for HPC, the use of silica fume is made a requirement. The focus of this study was to determine if high quality/high performance concrete can be produced using available sources of aggregate and fly ash, without silica fume. The study shows that both fly ash concrete and silica fume concrete can satisfy high performance expectations and produce an extended service life. The impact of the quality of aggregates and SCMs as well as the consistency of commercially produced concrete mixes on the performance of concrete are assessed.