Title: Achieving Durability in the Construction Process – Concrete Supply

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Publication: CIA

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Date: 2/14/2011

Abstract:
In the current Australian Standards concrete is specified by durability classifications that refer to concrete strength which will be deemed to satisfy these classifications. This standard and other related standards for design of specific concrete structures (water retaining, marine, piles ) then refer to AS1379 [1] for the specification of concrete. Where the specified concrete is “normal class”, in AS1379 [1], the concrete supplier will generally have previously assessed (tested) concrete mixes that will satisfy the well understood and commonly used requirements in AS1379 [1]. From a designers point of view this simplifies the specification and does not suggest any need for further complexity in specification. From the concrete suppliers point of view it is easy to tender for work with these known mixes and little lead time is generally required to ensure conformances of the mixes to the project specification. Where concrete is required to meet durability classification beyond that of AS3600 [2] then the concrete specifier must specify the concrete as “special class”. Where the specifier calls on “special class” concrete an understanding by the specifier, tendering contractors and concrete suppliers that time may be required for the sourcing and approval process for concrete supply. This paper covers elements of the supply of concrete as it relates to supply of concrete to meet durability objectives and points out areas where AS1379 [1] may not provide adequate coverage.