Title:
Chemical Damage to Airfield Concrete Aprons From Heat and Oils
Author(s):
Michael C. McVay, Lee D. Smithson, and Charles Manzione
Publication:
Materials Journal
Volume:
90
Issue:
3
Appears on pages(s):
253-258
Keywords:
airports; aprons; chemical attack; concrete pavements; heat transfer; scaling; runways; Materials Research
DOI:
10.14359/3881
Date:
5/1/1993
Abstract:
The Department of Defense has seen an increase in airfield concrete apron distress in the form of surface scaling when exposed to cyclic heat, spilled lubricants, and/or hydraulic fluids. Chemical analysis of the damaged concrete reveals that the spilled fluids are undergoing hydrolysis (breakdown) accompanied by the consumption of calcium hydroxide, and hydrated silicate and aluminate phases. The damage was reproduced in the laboratory on 3 ft by 4-in. (10.2-cm) thick slabs during 5 weeks of exposure to lubricants and cyclic heat. Use of penetrating sealants, coatings and/or neutral pH concretes are suggested for pavements exposed to this environment.