Civil Engineering Materials, Testing & Evaluation - Vol 1 | 16. Durability of Concrete by Abraham | Learn Smarter
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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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Sections

  • 1

    Durability Of Concrete

    Durability in concrete refers to its ability to withstand deterioration from environmental factors, while permeability measures the flow of fluids through concrete.

    Learning Practice

  • 1.1

    Definition

    Durability in concrete refers to its ability to resist deterioration, while permeability measures the ease of fluid ingress.

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  • 1.2

    Factors Affecting Durability

    This section discusses the key factors influencing the durability of concrete, highlighting environmental exposure, permeability, material composition, construction practices, and crack formation.

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  • 2

    Permeability Of Concrete

    This section discusses the permeability of concrete, its mechanisms, factors influencing it, and various test methods used to measure it.

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  • 2.1

    Definition

    Durability refers to the ability of concrete to resist deterioration while permeability measures the ease of fluid passage through its microstructure.

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  • 2.2

    Mechanisms Of Permeability

    This section explores the mechanisms by which fluids penetrate concrete, significantly influencing its durability.

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  • 2.3

    Factors Influencing Permeability

    This section discusses various factors that affect the permeability of concrete, which in turn impacts its durability.

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  • 2.4

    Test Methods

    The section presents various test methods used to evaluate the permeability of concrete, essential for assessing its durability.

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  • 3

    Carbonation Of Concrete

    Carbonation is a chemical process that affects the durability of concrete by reducing its alkalinity, which can lead to corrosion of embedded steel reinforcements.

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  • 3.1

    What Is Carbonation?

    Carbonation is a chemical process involving the reaction of carbon dioxide with calcium hydroxide in concrete, leading to significant changes in the material’s properties.

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  • 3.2

    Carbonation Front

    The carbonation front in concrete forms as carbon dioxide reacts with calcium hydroxide, leading to structural degradation.

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  • 3.3

    Factors Influencing Carbonation

    This section discusses the key factors that influence the carbonation of concrete, including permeability, humidity, CO₂ concentration, and the effects of curing and cover depth.

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  • 3.4

    Effects Of Carbonation

    Carbonation significantly impacts concrete durability by altering its chemical composition, which can lead to corrosion of embedded steel.

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  • 4

    Corrosion Of Reinforcing Steel

    This section explores the mechanisms and effects of corrosion on reinforcing steel in concrete structures, emphasizing its causes and detection methods.

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  • 4.1

    Nature Of Corrosion In Concrete

    The section discusses the factors contributing to the corrosion of reinforcing steel in concrete and the mechanisms involved in the corrosion process.

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  • 4.2

    Types Of Corrosion

    This section discusses various types of corrosion affecting reinforcing steel in concrete, highlighting their causes, mechanisms, and prevention methods.

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  • 4.3

    Causes Of Corrosion

    Corrosion in concrete is primarily caused by carbonation, chloride attack, and the presence of moisture and oxygen.

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  • 4.4

    Electrochemical Mechanism

    The section discusses the electrochemical mechanism of corrosion in reinforcing steel embedded in concrete, detailing reactions at the anode and cathode.

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  • 4.5

    Detection And Prevention

    This section discusses methods for detecting and preventing corrosion in reinforcing steel within concrete.

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  • 5

    Alkali-Aggregate Reaction (Aar)

    Alkali-Aggregate Reaction (AAR) is a detrimental chemical reaction between reactive silica in aggregates and alkalis in cement, leading to expansion and cracking in concrete.

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  • 5.1

    Introduction

    This section introduces the concepts of durability and permeability in concrete, highlighting their importance in evaluating concrete's long-term performance under environmental stress.

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  • 5.2

    Types Of Aar

    This section discusses the types of Alkali-Aggregate Reaction (AAR) that can occur in concrete, particularly focusing on Alkali-Silica Reaction (ASR) and Alkali-Carbonate Reaction (ACR).

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  • 5.3

    Mechanism Of Asr

    Alkali-Silica Reaction (ASR) is a chemical reaction between alkalis in cement and reactive silica in aggregates, leading to gel formation that expands and causes deterioration in concrete.

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  • 5.4

    Symptoms And Effects

    This section outlines the symptoms and effects associated with the Alkali-Aggregate Reaction (AAR) in concrete, emphasizing structural issues and deterioration.

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  • 5.5

    Test Methods

    This section reviews the various test methods used to assess permeability and degradation of concrete, including methods for carbonation and corrosion assessment.

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  • 5.6

    Preventive Measures

    Preventive measures in concrete construction aim to mitigate issues like alkali-aggregate reaction (AAR) by targeting the choice of materials and methods.

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  • 6

    Interaction Between Durability, Permeability & Chemical Attack

    This section explains how the interaction between durability and permeability impacts the vulnerability of concrete to chemical attacks.

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  • 7

    Case Studies On Durability Failures

    This section examines two critical case studies focusing on durability failures in concrete structures due to corrosion from chlorides and carbonation.

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  • 7.1

    Case Study 1: Bridge Deck Corrosion Due To Chloride Attack

    This section discusses a case study involving severe corrosion in a coastal highway bridge in Gujarat caused by chloride ingress.

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  • 7.2

    Case Study 2: Carbonation In High-Rise Residential Building

    This case study highlights carbonation's impact on concrete durability in a high-rise residential building in Delhi NCR.

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  • 8

    Design Strategies To Improve Durability

    This section outlines effective design strategies to enhance the durability of concrete through optimized mix design, structural detailing, and improved curing practices.

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  • 8.1

    Mix Design Considerations

    Mix design considerations focus on optimizing concrete durability through adjustments to the water-cement ratio and incorporation of pozzolanic materials.

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  • 8.2

    Structural Detailing

    Structural detailing is crucial for ensuring concrete structures' durability and integrity by maintaining appropriate concrete cover and alignment of reinforcement.

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  • 8.3

    Curing Practices

    Curing practices are critical for ensuring concrete durability and minimizing permeability, which are essential for long-lasting structures.

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  • 9

    Modern Techniques For Durability Enhancement

    This section explores innovative methods to enhance the durability of concrete, focusing on self-healing technologies, surface treatments, and cathodic protection systems.

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  • 9.1

    Self-Healing Concrete

    Self-healing concrete uses biological or chemical methods to seal cracks automatically, prolonging the structure's lifespan.

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  • 9.2

    Surface Treatments

    This section discusses various surface treatments applied to concrete to enhance its durability by reducing permeability and protecting against environmental degradation.

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  • 9.3

    Cathodic Protection Systems

    Cathodic protection systems are critical for preventing corrosion in steel-reinforced concrete structures.

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  • 10

    Durability Specifications In Codes And Standards

    This section provides an overview of the codes and standards related to the durability specifications for concrete construction.

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  • 10.1

    Is:456 – Code Of Practice For Plain And Reinforced Concrete

    This section reviews the durability and permeability of concrete while emphasizing the importance of understanding chemical attacks like carbonation and corrosion.

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  • 10.2

    Is 10262 – Concrete Mix Design

    The section emphasizes the importance of durability and permeability in concrete mix design, discussing key degradation mechanisms and practical design strategies for enhancing concrete performance over its lifespan.

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  • 10.3

    Irc Sp: 13 & Irc:112

    This section provides guidelines for ensuring bridge durability through appropriate concrete composition and construction practices.

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  • 10.4

    Astm Standards

    This section summarizes the various ASTM standards relevant to concrete durability and permeability testing.

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  • 11

    Long-Term Monitoring Techniques

    This section examines various long-term monitoring techniques for assessing concrete durability and integrity.

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  • 11.1

    Ndt Methods

    This section details Non-Destructive Testing (NDT) methods used to assess the integrity and characteristics of concrete structures.

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  • 11.2

    Sensors & Smart Monitoring

    This section focuses on the incorporation of sensors and smart monitoring technologies in civil engineering to enhance structural integrity and durability.

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  • 12

    Future Research And Innovations

    This section outlines innovative approaches and future research directions in concrete technology, focusing on durability and environmental sustainability.

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References

Chapter_16_Durab.pdf

Class Notes

Memorization

What we have learnt

  • Durability refers to concre...
  • Permeability measures how e...
  • Effective design and constr...

Final Test

Revision Tests