Title:
Air-Entrainment Control or Consequences
Author(s):
Allen J. Hulshizer
Publication:
Concrete International
Volume:
19
Issue:
7
Appears on pages(s):
38-40
Keywords:
air entrainment; deterioration; durability; ettringite; freezing and
thawing; hardened concretes; petrography; quality control; x-ray diffraction;
DOI:
Date:
7/1/1997
Abstract:
It is well understood that one of the vital requirements for obtaining frost-resistant concrete is the proper inclusion of entrained air; however, field compliance is not always commensurate with the potential for serious deterioration. Specifying air entrainment alone without field controls is not sufficient to assure that the final product will contain the necessary air-void system. A case history is discussed to illustrate the reality of failure due to the effects of freezing and thawing that result from the lack of proper air entrainment. The costly consequences also emphasize the importance of following through with a fitting quality control program, which is a small price to pay to assure durable concrete in contrast to the potential for extreme losses.