Initial Review

Project brief and objectives The ingression of sulfates and chlorides along with carbonation of concrete can lead to the deterioration of the concrete as well as corrosion of the steel (Figure 1). The current European (EN206) and American (ACI 318) standards provide guidelines for combating each of these deterioration mechanisms individually but numerous scenarios where two or more of these mechanisms may occur simultaneously exist (Table 1 and Table 2); and these scenarios are not specifically accounted for in the codes.

AAR Frost

Cracking Corrosion Carbonation and Chloride Faulty Construction Wear Other

Figure 1 - Occurrences of deterioration mechanisms (adapted from Tilly, 2007)

By considering the actions of theses mechanisms, both individually and in combination, this project will seek to provide guidance for combating multi mode deterioration. This concept is to be explored in concretes manufactured with a combination of cementitious materials including OPC, GGBS, PFA and micro silica. The primary aim of this project is to develop a comprehensive understanding of the boundaries in which deterioration of concrete can occur when exposed to carbonation and chloride and sulphate ions along with an understanding the mechanisms and interactions involved. The following objectives have been identified in order to satisfy the main aim of this project: To increase the depth of understanding of single mode deterioration Determine an accelerated testing regime that accurately reflects natural exposure regimes To determine the mechanisms and effects of combined modes on deterioration To run natural testing to validate data obtained from accelerated testing Use data obtained from the testing to develop multiple mode deterioration models Develop guidelines to compliment the current standards

Methodology To achieve these objectives, the potential scenarios illustrated in Figure 2 will be considered in more detail with testing designed to accelerate the deterioration process in each of the seven possible exposure scenarios.

Figure 2 - Representation of deterioration mechanisms and combinations

Methods to accelerate these mechanisms will be used such as: increasing temperature, concentration or pressure which are applicable for accelerating all mechanisms; increasing crystal pressure through wetting and drying cycles and ionic migration applicable for chlorides and sulfates; and increasing surface area to volume ratios used for accelerating sulfate attack. A site for natural exposure will also need to be chosen and the accelerated tests correlated to represent the conditions experienced at the site. With the deterioration accelerated, it will be quantified using a combination of tests to account for different variables. SEM, XRD, XRF, ICP, pH monitoring, pore fluid extraction, resistivity, strength and permeability testing will be used to determine the extent of the deterioration and the interaction of the mechanisms. Progress to date Literature review of knowledge gap o Research by CONREPNET (Figure 1) has highlighted that over half of all concrete deterioration is caused by the corrosion of steel. o By considering the exposure regimes set out in EN 206, the scenarios where two or more exposure regimes may occur have been considered to assess the feasibility of the testing (Table 1).

Four likely scenarios for combination have been chosen along with the three individual deterioration modes Literature review of mechanism o Literature of laboratory work involving the interaction of two of the deleterious substances together has been consulted to ensure the research remains relevant and possible. o Literature regarding the testing of sulfate attack has been consulted with shortfalls in current testing noted. Literature review of tests methods o While the potential testing methods required for the monitoring of the interactions has also been researched. o Relevant testing techniques to assess the interaction of deterioration modes and mechanisms have been investigated.

Project deliverables at the end of first year Composition of solutions to reflect natural environments will be identified and used to ensure that the accelerated testing methods will replicate the natural environment Natural environment chosen to run in conjunction with and supply data to assess accelerated tests Testing regime to monitor progression of deterioration will be determined

Difficulties encountered At this stage, the main difficulties of the project are yet to be encountered. However, difficulties in recreating the natural environment in an accelerated manner are expected as are difficulties in obtaining sufficient data from the natural environment within the time frame of the project. Research training attended Due to difficulties with the QSIS post graduate training page and a late start date, fewer courses have been attended than hoped. However, more training sessions are booked for February and March. Postgrad Research Induction Workshop (Full day ) How to write a Literature Review (Half day 12th Jan 2011) RefWorks (Half day 13th Jan 2011)

Bar Schedule for first year

Projected Deliverables Task Background Literature Development of idea Investigation of Testing Mixing and casting Carbonation testing Chloride testing Sulfate testing Combined testing OCT NOV DEC JAN FEB MAR APR MAY JUN JUL AUG SEP

Table 1 Potential exposure conditions in a marine environment according to BS EN206

Chlorides XS1 (Airborne)

Sulfates XA1 (Slightly aggressive)

Carbonation XC3 (Moderate Humidity) XC4 (Cyclic wet and Dry) XC3 (Moderate humidity)

XS2 (Submerged) XA2 (Moderately aggressive)

XA1 (Slightly aggressive) XC4 (Cyclic wet and dry) XS3 (Tidal/splash/spray) XC3 (Moderate humidity) XA2 (Moderately aggressive) XC4 (Cyclic wet and dry)

Table 2 - Potential exposure conditions from ACI 318

Corrosion C2 (Severe)

Permeability P1 (Required)

Sulfate S0 (Not applicable) S1 (Moderate)

Exposure Conditions
Single EN206 Table 1 / ACI 318 Table 4.2.1 CO2 ClCombined Gap in Knowledge Cl- & CO2 Cl- & SO4

SO4

All 3

Accelerated CO2 ClSO4

Natural

Increased Temperature Increased Concentration Increased Pressure Increased Crystal Pressure Increased Surface Area Ionic migration

Measurements
Carbonation Chloride Sulfate

SEM, XRF, ICP, XRD, pH Monitoring, Pore Fluid, Resistivity, Strength, Permeability Phenolphthalein Profiling Expansion

Analysis

Modelling