Title:
Crack-Free, High-Performance Concrete Structures
Author(s):
Richard Morin, Gilbert Haddad, and Pierre-Claude Aitcin
Publication:
Concrete International
Volume:
24
Issue:
9
Appears on pages(s):
42-48
Keywords:
DOI:
Date:
9/1/2002
Abstract:
In order to make high performance concrete structures durable, autogenous shrinkage must absolutely be eradicated during the first hours following its placing (except in the case of massive columns and piers), but it is important, in all cases, to let it develop after 3 or 7 days so that menisci can be created in the pore and capillary systems in order to decrease concrete permeability and absorptivity and the penetration of aggressive agents. In fact, these menisci act movement as air plugs that block the movement of water and aggressive agents within the concrete. If these peculiarities are taken into account by applying special curing procedures, high-performance concrete can be virtually crack-free. Three years ago, the city of Montreal enforced a special high performance concrete specification, and as a result, its high-performance concrete structures have since then been virtually crack-free.