Title: Concrete Performance In An Arid Climate

Author(s): Thomas E. Stanton

Publication: Journal Proceedings

Volume: 37

Issue:

Appears on pages(s): 141-156

Keywords: none

DOI: 10.14359/8548

Date: 11/1/1940

Abstract:
Describes studies conducted in the Imperial Valley, Imperial County, Calif., on the performance of portland cement concrete in an arid region where the av- erage humidity and rainfall are low and temperatures in the summer high. A test section of pavement con-structed in May, 1929, was in service and under ob- servation for I I years. Several different curing methods were used, including bituminous impervious membranes and impervious paper of different types as well as sodium silicate, and earth and water cure. In addition to the curing tests, determination was made of the, effect of admixtures of volcanic ash (pozzolanic type), diatomaceous earth, hydrated lime and calcium chloride as well as of a seven sack mix, the standard being six sacks of cement. In general, regardless of the method of cure or the admixtures the performance of all of the test sections has been satisfactory, except for certain construction defects which cannot be attributed to any special method of curing or admixtures. The test section was exceptionally smooth after I I years service, the roughness as measured by the roughometer being only 24.2 in. per mile.