Development of a New Test Method to Evaluate the Impact of Curing on the Near-surface Chloride Penetration Resistance of Concrete

The rate at which chlorides from deicer salts penetrate into concrete towards the reinforcing steel has a strong influence on the time-to-corrosion and service life of concrete structures. Thus, the permeability of the concrete cover layer protecting the reinforcement has to be minimized especially in severe exposure conditions. In addition to the type of concrete, the permeability of the concrete cover is influenced by early-age curing (keeping the concrete warm and wet to maintain cement hydration that fills in pores). There are currently no standard test methods for evaluating the impact of curing on surface durability and resistance to chloride ingress, so the purpose of this research is to develop a test method that can allow precast concrete manufacturers and owners of structures to determine adequate curing regimes. This will help prevent premature corrosion of steel reinforcement in concrete structure

Faculty Supervisor:

Douglas Hooton

Student:

Majed Karam

Partner:

Canadian Precast Prestressed Concrete Institute

Discipline:

Engineering - civil

Sector:

Construction and infrastructure

University:

Program: