Publications

Preface



Title: Preface
Author(s): M. Alexander, N. De Belie
Paper category : conference
Book title: Workshop on Performance of Cement-based Materials in Aggressive Aqueous Environments - Characterisation, Modelling, Test Methods and Engineering Aspects
Editor(s): Nele De Belie
Print-ISBN: None
e-ISBN: 978-2-35158-059-2
Publisher: RILEM Publications SARL
Publication year: 2008
Pages: 1 - 1
Total Pages: 1
Language: English


Abstract: The RILEM Technical Committee 'Performance of cement-based materials in aggressive aqueous environments' (TC-PAE) focuses especially on the problems of concrete and cement-based infrastructure having to operate in aggressive aqueous environments, including:

- natural environments such as soft or aggressive waters giving rise to concrete leaching;
- public health environments with their associated drainage and treatment structures such as sewers, conduits, waste tanks, etc.;
- water supply infrastructure with the provision of dams and canals;
- groundwater and other sulphate-bearing solutions;
- Industrial and marine structures with natural or artificial highly aggressive environments.

In all these cases, concrete is subjected to a process of degradation whereby mass/ionic exchange processes occur leading to a breakdown of the matrix microstructure and a weakening of the material. In some cases this can be extremely rapid and serious, such as in acidic environments, whether industrially or biogenically generated. In other cases degradation occurs over long periods of time, but the scale of the problem is such that the consequences are also severe, e.g. major dams, marine works, etc. Many industrial processes also generate aggressive aqueous solutions some of which can leach or attack concrete. Furthermore with increasing levels of acid rain being experienced world-wide, the ability of concrete to withstand this form of aggressive attack is also important.


Online publication: 2008-06-05
Publication type : full_text
Public price (Euros): 0.00


>> You must be connected to view the paper. You can register for free if you are not a member