Title:
Cracking of Prestressed Concrete in Seawater (Title Change)
Author(s):
David C. Stark; George Horeczko; and Mort Rowghani
Publication:
Concrete International
Volume:
21
Issue:
12
Appears on pages(s):
51-55
Keywords:
alkali-silica reactions; chlorides; cracking; ettringite; seawater; steam curing
DOI:
Date:
12/1/1999
Abstract:
Longitudinal cracking was observed in steam-cured 12 to 34 year old concrete piles in seawater harbor facilities in Los Angeles, California. Field date, petrographic examination of concrete cores, chloride analyses, and mechanical properties of the cores, were obtained. It was concluded the cracking was initiated through the delayed formation of ettringite due to steam curing with no other causes of distress. It was concluded that this cause would be a one-time occurrence at a particular location and not progressive in nature. It was recommended that steam curing temperatures in subsequent construction must be internally monitored and not exceed 140 to 150 degrees F (60 to 66 degrees C).