16. Durability of Concrete
Durability and permeability are critical factors in evaluating the long-term performance of concrete under various environmental conditions. The chapter delves into key degradation mechanisms like carbonation, steel corrosion, and alkali-aggregate reactions, illustrating how these processes interact with microstructural properties to affect concrete lifespan. Important strategies and standards for enhancing concrete durability and minimizing permeability are also outlined.
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What we have learnt
- Durability refers to concrete's ability to withstand deterioration over its lifespan.
- Permeability measures how easily fluids can pass through concrete, impacting its durability.
- Effective design and construction practices are vital for enhancing durability, including proper mix design and curing techniques.
Key Concepts
- -- Durability
- The capacity of a concrete structure to resist deterioration due to environmental factors, loading, and chemical interactions over its expected lifespan.
- -- Permeability
- The ability of concrete to allow fluids to pass through its microstructure, which influences the material's vulnerability to degradation.
- -- Carbonation
- A chemical process involving the reaction of carbon dioxide with calcium hydroxide in concrete, leading to reduced alkalinity and potentially triggering steel corrosion.
- -- Corrosion
- The deterioration of steel reinforcement in concrete primarily caused by moisture, oxygen, and chemical attacks which break the protective passive layer.
- -- AlkaliAggregate Reaction (AAR)
- A chemical reaction between reactive silica in aggregates and alkalis in cement, resulting in a gel that expands and causes internal stresses and cracking.
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