Title:
Effects of Water Absorption on Performance of Concretes Subjected to Accelerated Freezing-and-Thawing Tests
Author(s):
Richard Gagne, Aleksandra Popic, and Michel Pigeon
Publication:
Materials Journal
Volume:
100
Issue:
4
Appears on pages(s):
286-293
Keywords:
concrete; durability; high-performance concrete; self-desiccation; silica fume; water absorption.
DOI:
10.14359/12666
Date:
7/1/2003
Abstract:
A research project was carried out with the aim of evaluating how to better interpret the results of ASTM C 666 Procedure A tests in assessing the long-term in-place resistance to freezing and thawing of high-performance concrete (HPC). The results indicate that absorption of external water is a key parameter controlling the mechanisms of internal damage due to freezing-and-thawing cycles. No significant deterioration was observed when absorption of external water was prevented during the cycles. This suggests that the freezing-and-thawing resistance of concrete is not governed solely by the initial saturation state of the paste; the water transport between the external environment and the cement paste also plays a role. For HPC, the characteristics of the air-void system that are necessary to obtain an adequate protection from ASTM C 666 Procedure A accelerated freezing and thawing tests represent a conservative estimation of the minimum values required.