Title: Durability of Pozzolanic Cements and Italian Experience in Mass Concrete

Author(s): F. Massazza and G. Oberti

Publication: Symposium Paper

Volume: 126

Issue:

Appears on pages(s): 1259-1284

Keywords: alkali-aggregate reaction; concrete dams; curing; diffusion; durability; environments; permeability; pozzolan cements; General

DOI: 10.14359/3641

Date: 8/1/1991

Abstract:
Compared to portland cements, pozzolanic cements can better resist various aggressive agents, such as pre and acidic waters, chlorides, and sulfates. Furthermore, they can also prevent expansion caused by alkali-aggregate reactions. Provided that concretes of the same strength are compared, the carbonation depth of pozzolanic cements is similar to that of portland cements. In Italy, where they have extensively been used for the construction of buildings and civil engineering works, pozzolanic cements accounted for over 15,000,000 t of cement production in 1989. This is, however, indirect evidence of the durability associated with this type of cement. Direct evidence is actually provided by many Italian dams built over 40 years ago, which, despite the heavy and manifold environmental conditions that they have been subjected to yearly, still show good serviceability.