Resistance to Freezing and Thawing Cycles and Scaling Resistance of Very High Early Strength Concrete

Abstract

A very high early strength portland cement-based concrete (VHES) is used to prevent long closures of highway lanes by completing any necessary repairs overnight. This technology has been embraced by several DOT agencies, including those in areas where the concrete will be subjected to freezing and thawing cycles. Flexural strength of VHES concrete is the critical parameter to permit traffic flow without damage to the concrete. It is possible to produce air-entrained rapid repair concrete, but this places higher requirements on the mixture proportions to overcome strength reduction caused by the presence of air. This article presents data showing that it is possible to attain the necessary strength and achieve adequate resistance to freezing and thawing cycles. The evidence presented includes accelerated testing using ASTM C 666, Procedure A, and scaling resistance using ASTM C 672. Additional evidence is presented showing that VHES concrete of low w/c can be durable with larger than acceptable spacing factor levels or without air entrainment.

Effects of impure water sources on early-age properties of calcium sulfoaluminate cements for rapid airfield damage recovery

“…However, its rapid strength development and predominately ettringite microstructure are advantageous to many applications. Notable applications have included the rapid repair or construction of roadways, airfields, locks, tunnels, and other concrete structures (Barna et al 2010;Priddy et al 2016b;Priddy et al 2007;Kurtz and Constantiner 2004;Taylor 1997;Oren et al 2014). CSA-based cements have also been used to stabilize contaminated soils (Howard and Bilberry 2017), and researchers are investigating the ability of the cementitious matrix to bind to and immobilize heavy metals (Berger et al 2011;Wu et al 2014;Albino et al 1996;Cau Dit Coumes et al 2009;Peysson et al 2005;Berardi et al 1997).…”

Relating Material Properties to Exposure Conditions for Predicting Service Life in Concrete Bridge Decks in Indiana

“…It is generally accepted that, the use of air entrainment with adequate spacing factor increases the scaling resistance of concrete [Kurtz and Constantiner, 2004;Persson, 2003;Powers, 1975]. Therefore, the use of an adequately air entrained, low w/c, low permeability concrete is the best protection against salt scaling [ACI committee 201, 1992;Mindess et al, 2002].…”