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Founded in 1904 and headquartered in Farmington Hills, Michigan, USA, the American Concrete Institute is a leading authority and resource worldwide for the development, dissemination, and adoption of its consensus-based standards, technical resources, educational programs, and proven expertise for individuals and organizations involved in concrete design, construction, and materials, who share a commitment to pursuing the best use of concrete.
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Home > Tools > Frequently Asked Questions
Q. Can concrete be used around aluminum framing or in aluminum forms, and what precautions should be taken to prevent potential issues? A. Aluminum can be used in contact with concrete, but it requires careful consideration and treatment to avoid reactions that can damage both the concrete surface and the aluminum. According to **ACI 303R-12**, aluminum should not be used to produce architectural concrete, as it reacts with the alkaline materials in fresh concrete, liberating hydrogen gas. This gas can cause sticking, bubbling, and surface defects on forms made of untreated aluminum. **ACI 332.1R-18** also notes that untreated aluminum forms can react with the high pH of fresh concrete, resulting in a damaged surface finish. To prevent this, aluminum forms should be chemically treated or cured through at least two concrete placements to reduce the risk of surface defects. Additionally, aluminum elements should not be embedded in concrete unless coated to protect against alkalies, as raw aluminum can degrade and damage the concrete. Furthermore, **ACI 201.2R-16** highlights that aluminum embedded in concrete, especially when exposed to corrosive conditions (e.g., in the presence of chlorides, steel, or high alkalies), can lead to concrete cracking. This increases the porosity and allows corrosive agents to penetrate the concrete, further damaging the structure. In summary, aluminum can be used in concrete construction, but it must be treated or coated to prevent reactions that can cause cosmetic defects, concrete damage, or corrosion-related cracking. Direct embedding of untreated aluminum in concrete should be avoided. References: ACI 303R-12; ACI 332.1R-18; ACI 201.2R-16
Q. Can concrete be used around aluminum framing or in aluminum forms, and what precautions should be taken to prevent potential issues?
A. Aluminum can be used in contact with concrete, but it requires careful consideration and treatment to avoid reactions that can damage both the concrete surface and the aluminum. According to **ACI 303R-12**, aluminum should not be used to produce architectural concrete, as it reacts with the alkaline materials in fresh concrete, liberating hydrogen gas. This gas can cause sticking, bubbling, and surface defects on forms made of untreated aluminum.
**ACI 332.1R-18** also notes that untreated aluminum forms can react with the high pH of fresh concrete, resulting in a damaged surface finish. To prevent this, aluminum forms should be chemically treated or cured through at least two concrete placements to reduce the risk of surface defects. Additionally, aluminum elements should not be embedded in concrete unless coated to protect against alkalies, as raw aluminum can degrade and damage the concrete.
Furthermore, **ACI 201.2R-16** highlights that aluminum embedded in concrete, especially when exposed to corrosive conditions (e.g., in the presence of chlorides, steel, or high alkalies), can lead to concrete cracking. This increases the porosity and allows corrosive agents to penetrate the concrete, further damaging the structure.
In summary, aluminum can be used in concrete construction, but it must be treated or coated to prevent reactions that can cause cosmetic defects, concrete damage, or corrosion-related cracking. Direct embedding of untreated aluminum in concrete should be avoided.
References:
Topics in Concrete: Corrosion; Materials; Concrete Forms; Decorative Concrete; Cracking
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