Title: Influence of the Curing Method on the Durability of High Performance Concretes

Author(s): L. Hasni, J. L. Gallias, and M. Salomon

Publication: Symposium Paper

Volume: 145

Issue:

Appears on pages(s): 131-156

Keywords: carbonation; curing; durability; high-performance concretes; microcracking; permeability; silica fume; Materials Research

DOI: 10.14359/4545

Date: 5/1/1994

Abstract:
Despite the excellent resistance of high-performance (HP) concretes in the presence of aggressive agents, instances of application have shown that the microstructure of the concrete surface can be greatly disturbed by the curing method, thereby compromising durability on the part covering the reinforcement. Paper presents results of a study on three concrete design mixes (one reference concrete and two HP concretes with and without silica fume), each subjected to three curing methods and three durability tests. Results on carbonation, variation in free lime, and microcracking indicate that HP concrete with silica fume is more sensitive to the curing method than the reference concrete or concrete without silica fume, as evidenced by increased carbonation and a larger reduction in alkalinity. The study of microcracking in the various concretes showed that desiccation causes more microcracking in the HP concrete with silica fume than in the HP concrete without silica fume. Results of microstructural inspection and physical and chemical tests explain these variations in mechanical properties and carbonation behavior of various concretes, depending on the curing method.