Title: Use of Slag Cement for Improved Durability in Virginia Department of Transportation Structures

Author(s): C. Ozyildirim

Publication: Symposium Paper

Volume: 269

Issue:

Appears on pages(s): 49-56

Keywords: bridge; durability; mass concrete; pavement; permeability; slag; slag cement; strength; temperature control.

DOI: 10.14359/51663722

Date: 3/1/2010

Abstract:
Slag cement was introduced to the Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) in the early 1980s. Early laboratory studies indicated that slag cement provides resistance to alkali-silica reaction and reduces the permeability of concrete. Since the mid-1980s, slag cement has been successfully used by VDOT in bridge structures and pavements to reduce permeability and improve the durability of concrete. The bridge structures with concrete containing slag cement (slag concrete) included normalweight concrete in beams and decks, and lightweight concrete or self-consolidating concrete in beams. In large footings, slag cement has been used at a high replacement rate of 75% to control thermal cracking from temperature rise and reduce permeability. Testing of slag concrete obtained during the construction of field projects has indicated the low permeability of these concretes. Evaluations and tests on cores from bridge decks with some field exposure have confirmed the benefit of slag concrete in reducing permeability, thus increasing the durability of these concretes.