Title:
Importance of the Surface Layer for the Durability of Concrete Structures
Author(s):
A. Meyer
Publication:
Symposium Paper
Volume:
100
Issue:
Appears on pages(s):
49-62
Keywords:
alkalinity; compressive strength; concrete durability; concretes; freeze-thaw durability; porosity; properties; surface properties; Structural Research
DOI:
10.14359/2608
Date:
4/1/1987
Abstract:
The surface layer and the remaining core concrete of a structural member are already immediately after curing two different materials in composition. The difference in characteristic properties can be considerably increased by outside influences in the lifetime of the concrete building. We have to pay more attention to this fact because the surface layers are important with regard to the long-term behavior of concrete structures and the protection of steel reinforcement against corrosion. The effects on structure and characteristic properties of the surface layer by placing, compacting, and curing in the early states and later when subjected to different environmental conditions are studied and discussed. Some methods to test in practice the properties of the surface layer--strength, porosity, alkalinity, and frost resistance--are described.