Experimental investigation into the deterioration of ordinary concrete subjected to hydro-abrasion

Author(s): C. Bellmann, V. Mechtcherine
Paper category: Conference
Book title: 2nd International conference on Microstructural-related Durability of Cementitious Composites
Editor(s): Guang Ye, K. Van Breugel, Wei Sun, Changwen Miao
Print ISBN: 978-2-35158-129-2
e-ISBN: 978-2-35158-123-0
Publisher: RILEM Publications SARL
Pages: 541-549
Total Pages: 8
Language: English

Abstract: 
The concrete surfaces of hydraulic structures can deteriorate severely when continuously or frequently overflowed by water containing solid particles; this process is called hydroabrasion. It can lead to various negative consequences such as loss of the steel reinforcement’s protective layer or an increase in the hydraulic roughness of the concrete surface itself. This exposure is considered basically as a combination of both sliding and impact wear. Kinetic energy introduced to the concrete surface by moving solid particles leads most probably to near-surface damage of the concrete in the form of micro-cracks. With continued energy input these cracks may develop further, which eventually results in the spalling of small concrete fragments from the surface.

In predicting the abrasion resistance and the remaining lifetime of concrete structures subjected to hydro-abrasion, a sound knowledge of the mechanisms leading to the wear of concrete on different levels of observation is needed. In this study the influence of diverse parameters such as concrete composition, abrasion regime, and the duration and degree of pre-damage due to frost were systematically varied and investigated by means of a special testing machine with a rotating drum-like container filled with water and steel balls. The results obtained at the macroscopic level of observation (change in surface roughness, ultrasound velocity, loss of mass, etc.) showed different degrees of damage to the concrete depending on the particular combination of parameters. Additionally, in order to gain a better understanding of the mechanisms and processes of crack development, morphological analysis of the concrete microstructure was performed on resin-soaked, thin-section samples.

Online publication: 2013
Publication Type: full_text
Public price (Euros): 0.00