Title: Lightweight Concrete in the Marine Environment

Author(s): P. Fidjestol

Publication: Symposium Paper

Volume: 218

Issue:

Appears on pages(s): 51-68

Keywords: lightweight concrete; marine environment; water absorption 51

DOI: 10.14359/13053

Date: 2/1/2004

Abstract:
Since more than 70 years ago, lightweight concrete has been used in the marine environment. Prime examples use are the ship Selma, grounded off Galveston; and several other ships of that age, laid up, still able to float. Over the last couple of decades, interest in the actual performance of marine lightweight concrete has grown, and in consequence several studies have been made, covering durability, mechanical properties and design procedures. Since other papers in the session will be concerned with many of the structures that have been placed in or near the sea, these objects are not central to the presentation — the same can be said for general questions like design procedures, long term mechanical properties and the like. The central issues of the paper are specifically related to the marine environment: durability — namely reinforcement corrosion — is briefly touched upon, and water absorption over time and at depth is given more attention. This paper is an opportunity to publish data gathered more than 10 years ago; used, but never made available generally.