Title: Performance Testing Method for Durability of Concrete Using Climate Simulation

Author(s): J. Stark and K. Seyfarth

Publication: Symposium Paper

Volume: 234

Issue:

Appears on pages(s): 305-326

Keywords: alkali-silica reaction; concrete; delayed ettringite formation; durability; performance test; simulated climate conditions

DOI: 10.14359/15944

Date: 3/22/2006

Abstract:
The presently standardized ways in Europe to achieve a sufficient durability of concrete for outdoor elements are not always successful. The resistance tests on concretes against single attacks (e.g. frost, frost-de-icing salt, sulfate, alkali-silica reaction) – as they are presently practiced – do not seem to be effective to assess the durability. Also the exami-nation of single specific concrete properties, e.g. permeability parameters, is not an appropriate method. Outdoor elements are exposed to complex environmental influences, i.e. not only to a frost or frost/de-icing salt attack. Likewise, the problem of the alkali-silica reaction (ASR) with alkali-reactive slow/late aggregates is not sufficiently treated. Based on the present state of knowledge the latest approaches in developing performance testing method shall be described. A new type of climate chamber is used to evaluate the durability of concrete for outdoor elements under simulated climate conditions. The principal capability of cyclical storage with alternating temperature and moisture condi-tions in order to achieve an acceleration effect in the simulation of weather conditions on concrete has been proved in previous comparative investigations in our institute. Results of different investigations by means of this new type of climate chamber regarding high performance concrete, normal concrete with different types of cement and ASR-vulnerable concretes will be presented.