Proceedings pro024 : 2nd International RILEM Workshop on Frost Resistance of Concrete

Since 1991 the RILEM Technical Committees 117-FDC "Freeze-Thaw and De-Icing Resistance of Concrete" and TC 176-IDC "Internal Damage of Concrete Due to Freeze-Thaw Attack" have been extending our knowledge in the field of frost action on concrete. Their success is based on the close link existing between basic research and the problems encountered in practical application. The major research goals for the practice were improved testing methods, optimisation of mix-design, the assessment of new techniques and materials and finally better prediction of service live. The basis was a deeper understanding of the relevant physical and chemical interactions as well as of mass and heat transport. Moreover, these factors vary over a wide range of sizes; from nanometres, for surface active gel via micrometers, for capillaries, to metres, for the macroscopic structures themselves.

This workshop resulted from the co-operation of TC 176-IDC with other RILEM TCs, which permitted the exchange of experience with experts in other fields of concrete research: RILEM TC 178-TMC and RILEM TC FHP.

The major topics of the workshop were:
1. Phase transitions of pore solution.
2. Transport of mass and heat in nano-porous materials; the Stephan problem, the moving boundary condition and freezing.
3. Interphases in the gel and capillary system of hardened cement paste and gel phase changes.
4. Changes in the mechanical properties due to changes in pore solution composition, gel and capillary structure and due to the attack of frost and de-icing chemicals.
5. Testing of the scaling and internal damage due to freeze-thaw attack, de-icing agents.
6. Correlation with practical behaviour; new materials and components, life-time prediction.

Contents

Part One: Micro Structure and Pore Solution

Part Two: Surface Science

Part Three: Frost Mechanisms

Part Four: Damage Mechanisms

Part Five: Test Methods and Experimental Observation