Title: Coral Concrete at Bikini Atoll

Author(s): Rick A. Ehlert

Publication: Concrete International

Volume: 13

Issue: 1

Appears on pages(s): 19-24

Keywords: aggregates; concrete durability; coral; cover; exposure; performance; reinforced concrete; seawater; General

DOI:

Date: 1/1/1991

Abstract:
During World War II, concrete for military bases in the Gilbert, Marshall, Hawaiian, and other islands in the North Pacific Ocean was often made with coral aggregates and seawater. Post-war reconstruction and nuclear testing programs conducted by the Atomic Energy Commission at two Pacific atolls also used concretes made with coral aggregates and seawater. This paper examines the long-term strength of coral aggregate and seawater concrete and the durability of three reinforced concrete structures that used this type of concrete.