Title: Specifying Concrete for Urban Salinity

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Publication: CIA

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Date: 2/13/2011

Abstract:
There is an increasing awareness of the need to plan and build in areas that are identified to be prone to saline ground conditions. The appearance of salts on the surface of building components, roads and playing fields has raised concern in many communities and local councils around Australia. For the majority of cases, the adverse effects on building components are mainly aesthetic and do not pose any risks on the structural integrity and serviceability of the buildings. Engineers and builders are able to overcome any potential adverse effects through effective planning, design and construction. This paper reports on the integration of a macro-scale salinity investigation and construction-site soil investigation leading to a specific site exposure classification. With known or anticipated exposure classifications, appropriate concretes can be specified to achieve the desired design life. Various mechanisms of possible salt attack on the concrete are discussed as they influence the specification of salt resistant concrete. Appropriate specifications of concrete are recommended for residential and commercial buildings.