Influence of microcracks in high strength concrete on durability properties

Author(s): A. Kustermann, K. Ch. Thienel
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: 639-647
Total Pages: 8
Language: English

Abstract: 
Microcracks in High Strength Concrete (HSC) are often held responsible for unexpected effects related to durability. The aim of this research was to investigate how microcracks influence some durability properties.

High Strength Concrete specimens were exposed, preloaded or non- preloaded, to either freeze-thaw-cycles, sodium chloride solution, or carbon dioxide. Each specimen was sawn in two parts before testing. The larger piece was used in the durability tests while the smaller piece was used to examine the formation of microcracks right after cutting. At the end of the exposure, the larger specimens were analyzed with regard to their durability and the results were related to the microcracks formed.

Major findings were the enhanced damage of preloaded specimens caused by freeze-thaw-exposure. Capillary suction and carbonation of concrete exhibited no correlation to the microcracks contained.

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