Effect of coupled deterioration mechanisms on concrete durability in cold environments

Miguel Ferreira, Hannele Kuosa, Markku Leivo, Erika Holt

    Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference article in proceedingsScientificpeer-review

    Abstract

    The durability of concrete is traditionally assessed based on the deterioration of a single mechanism. Yet in practice, as a result of varying environmental exposure, concrete is typically affected by several deterioration mechanisms, possibly with synergetic effect on the degradation rate of concrete. Concrete infrastructure located in cold climates has to perform in rather difficult conditions due to the extremely harsh winters. This results in unique combinations of degradation mechanisms. Commonly occurring deterioration mechanisms are freeze-thaw, carbonation and chloride induced corrosion. In light of recent research more attention is now being drawn to assessing coupled deterioration mechanisms. For instance, evaluating how cracks resulting from freeze-thaw influence chloride ingress, or how carbonation changes the surface properties and thereby influencing frost-salt scaling and chloride penetration. In this paper, the results of research projects at VTT based on assessing coupling deterioration mechanisms are presented. These research projects have built on several decades of concrete durability research at VTT, including 15 years of field station studies. Durability performance has been assessed both by accelerated laboratory testing and from in situ exposure results from field stations. This research provides the background for development of service life prediction tools, and supports a holistic approach for deterioration assessment.
    Original languageEnglish
    Title of host publicationStructural Mechanics in Reactor Technologies
    Subtitle of host publication23rd International Conference on Structural Mechanics in Reactor Technology 2015 (SMiRT 23)
    PublisherInternational Association for Structural Mechanics in Reactor Technology IASMiRT
    Number of pages10
    ISBN (Print)978-1-5108-4344-8
    Publication statusPublished - 2015
    MoE publication typeA4 Article in a conference publication
    Event22nd International Conference on Structural Mechanics in Reactor Technology 2013, SMiRT 22 - San Francisco, United States
    Duration: 18 Aug 201323 Aug 2013
    Conference number: 23

    Conference

    Conference22nd International Conference on Structural Mechanics in Reactor Technology 2013, SMiRT 22
    Abbreviated titleSMiRT 22
    Country/TerritoryUnited States
    CitySan Francisco
    Period18/08/1323/08/13

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