Title: Influence of Construction Procedures on Abrasion Resistance

Author(s): R. J. Kettle and M. Sadegzadeh

Publication: Symposium Paper

Volume: 100

Issue:

Appears on pages(s): 1385-1410

Keywords: abrasion resistance; abrasion tests; concrete durability; concrete finishing (fresh concrete); curing; mix proportioning; troweling; vacuum-treated concrete; Construction

DOI: 10.14359/3320

Date: 4/1/1987

Abstract:
A test method, based on rotating steel wheels running in a circular path, has been adopted to assess the abrasion resistance of concrete. The reported data are from a series of tests performed on relatively large slabs. It was, therefore, possible to employ normal construction procedures and plant, including power finishing and vacuum dewatering with hand finishing merely being employed for comparison. Additional tests were undertaken to assess the influence of curing methods. Power finishing significantly increased abrasion resistance, with the benefits being directly related to a number of applications of power troweling. This is attributed to surface compaction and to reduction of the water-cement ratio of the surface matrix. Indeed, repeated power troweling reduced the influence of mix design on the abrasion resistance, with all specimens achieving a similar surface matrix. Vacuum dewatering also increased the abrasion resistance with the applied suction leading to a reduction in the water-cement ratio and an increase in the cement content of the surface layer. This process was most effecting on concrete with a high initial water-cement ratio. Efficient curing significantly increased the abrasion resistance. While no significant differences were detected between the abrasion resistance of slabs cured by wet burlap or plastic sheeting, the plastic sheeting method was less susceptible to error. Curing compounds were very beneficial, with their efficiency being very dependent on the texture of the applied surface. In summary, while mix design clearly influenced the abrasion resistance, attention to both construction procedures and curing could achieve similar changes in abrasion resistance.