International Concrete Abstracts Portal

Title: Durability of Plain and Reinforced Concrete in Marine Structures--French Practice

Author(s): Paul Poitevin

Publication: Special Publication

Volume: 100

Issue:

Appears on pages(s): 281-304

Keywords: chemical attack; concrete durability; corrosion; C3A; exposure; long-time study; marine atmospheres; reinforced concrete; reinforcing steels; slag cements; Materials Research

Date: 4/1/1987

Abstract:
In the last century, lime concrete, portland cement concrete began to be used for breakwaters, quay walls, and lighthouse towers. Now both for inshore and offshore structures, concrete, reinforced or prestressed, is widely accepted as a most economical material. Its durability is no more questioned as the resistance of hydraulic binders to the chemical attack of seawater has been the object of extensive research and long duration tests. In France, public authorities and cement manufacturers, in close collaboration, have established criteria to evaluate cements for works in marine environment, and each year a list of available cements complying with these criteria is published. The results of the research conducted in the maritime laboratories of the Ministry of Public Works, and in the exposure stations of CEBTP and CNEXO are reviewed. Composite Portland cements, now 70 percent of the French production, call for new research if they are to be used at sea. An accelerated test is now proposed to verify their suitability for marine structures. 105-387