141. Self compacting concrete for LNG tanks construction in Texas

Title: 141. Self compacting concrete for LNG tanks construction in Texas
Author(s): O. Bernabeu, C. Redon
Paper category : conference
Book title: 5th International RILEM Symposium on Self-Compacting Concrete
Editor(s): G. De Schutter and V. Boel
Print-ISBN: 978-2-35158-047-9
e-ISBN: 978-2-35158-088-2
Publisher: RILEM Publications SARL
Publication year: 2007
Pages: 939 - 944
Total Pages: 6
Nb references: 5
Language: English

Abstract: Two LNG tanks commissioned by Freeport LNG (Texas) used pumped Self Compacting Concrete to erect 0.8m thick walls about 90m in diameter and 40m in height. SCC technology was chosen to speed up the concreting through heavy steel reinforcement and guarantee a smooth wall surface finish. Absence of vibration and reduction of the work force on top of the formwork also made construction safer.
To guarantee the tank service life, durability requirements imposed to pass a chloride permeability less than 2000 Coulombs (ASTM C1202) and to sustain cryogenic thermal shock (-162°C) in case of LNG leakage through the inner tank steel containment.
To achieve that durability, reduce thermal shrinkage risks, and also to participate to industrial waste recycling policy, the SCC mix design incorporates a high volume (25% of binder) of pozzolanic class F fly ash worked out with a limited 0.37 water/binder ratio.
Correspondingly, 70 MPa range strength levels were obtained at 2 months of concrete age.
To ensure self levelling properties (slump flows of 75 cm), polycarboxylate superplasticizer was used in combination with a viscosity admixture guaranteeing that locally available 25mm gravel, unusual in size for SCC, would not segregate.

Online publication: 2009-06-16
Publication type : full_text
Public price (Euros): 0.00