11. Durability of Concrete
Durability in concrete is a vital aspect that determines its long-term performance and ability to withstand environmental conditions without deterioration. Key factors such as permeability, water-cement ratio, curing practices, and mix composition significantly influence concrete's durability. The chapter discusses different types of deterioration, mechanisms of durability loss, and methods to assess and enhance durability, emphasizing the importance of proper design and maintenance strategies.
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What we have learnt
- Durability is defined as concrete's ability to resist degradation while maintaining its strength and integrity.
- Factors like permeability, water-cement ratio, and proper curing are critical for achieving durable concrete.
- Modern materials and techniques can significantly enhance the durability of concrete structures in aggressive environments.
Key Concepts
- -- Durability
- The ability of concrete to resist weathering, chemical attack, and physical degradation while maintaining its properties over time.
- -- WaterCement Ratio
- The ratio of the weight of water to the weight of cement used in a concrete mix, crucial for controlling permeability and strength.
- -- Curing
- The process of maintaining adequate moisture, temperature, and time to allow the concrete to achieve its desired strength and durability.
- -- Supplementary Cementitious Materials (SCMs)
- Materials such as fly ash, silica fume, and GGBS used in concrete mixes to improve durability and reduce permeability.
- -- AlkaliAggregate Reaction (AAR)
- A chemical reaction between alkalis in cement and reactive silica in aggregates, leading to expansion and cracking in concrete.
- -- SelfHealing Concrete
- Concrete that contains materials which allow it to autonomously seal cracks, thereby enhancing its longevity.
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