Title:
Freezing and Thawing Durability of High-Strength Lightweight Concretes
Author(s):
D. Whiting and R. Burg
Publication:
Symposium Paper
Volume:
126
Issue:
Appears on pages(s):
84-100
Keywords:
concretes; freeze-thaw durability; harbor structures; high-strength concretes; lightweight aggregates; lightweight concretes; Materials Research
DOI:
10.14359/2038
Date:
8/1/1991
Abstract:
Concretes having strengths ranging from 54 to 73 MPA and densities ranging from 1920 to 2080 kg/m3 were produced from two lightweight aggregate sources. Supplementary cementitious materials (including silica fume, fly ash, and ground granulated blast furnace slag) were used in the mixtures. Test specimens were subjected to a variety of freezing and thawing test procedures and conditioning methods. These included standard ASTM test procedures as well as procedures designed to simulate service in arctic offshore environments. The high-strength lightweight concretes exhibited outstanding performance, with virtually no degradation during standard freezing and thawing testing. Prolonged exposure was needed to cause significant damage under simulated arctic offshore conditions. Durability was found to be a strong function of cumulative freezing and thawing cycles and moisture content, with saturation of aggregates prior to test leading to premature failure.