Pullout strength behaviour of self-compacted concrete in aggressive solutions

Abstract

The aim of this study was to investigate the pullout strength behaviour of self-compacted concrete under corrosion conditions. Block samples with two configurations were formulated. A total number of twelve block samples in addition to 24 cubes were tested. The hardened concrete samples were either cured in tap water or exposed to salt solution. A suitable epoxy was used for coating part of the formulated samples. The preliminary mechanical properties and the rate of corrosion were firstly measured, the pullout was then carried out. A comparison was also made with the relevant code of practice. The results obtained showed that both compressive strength and density features exhibited a notable increase at an early age when the samples are exposed to salt solution. The adverse effect of such curing condition appeared at the later ages when the corrosion rate became more intensive. The highest decrease in the value of pullout strength was observed for the reinforced concrete block samples containing epoxy coating reaching to 44.5% less than those cured in tap water.