De-icing salt resistance of high early-strength concrete for rapid repairs

Abstract

This paper examines the freezing and thawing resistance of high early-strength concrete (HESC) developed for rapid repair of pavements and bridge decks. The cement types chosen for this study included ASTM Type III, ASTM Type V, and Calcium Sulfoaluminate (CSA). A cement content of 386 kg/m3 was maintained for all studied concretes. Specimens were tested after 24 hours and 28 days of curing in order to evaluate compressive and flexural strengths. In addition, the opening time was determined based on the required time to achieve the minimum compressive strength of 20.7 MPa. The freezing and thawing (F–T) resistance of the test samples were evaluated in accordance with the F–T duration of 96 hours per cycle for a total of 25 cycles. Test results revealed that at the opening time and after 24 hours curing, CSA cement concrete displayed the highest compressive and flexural strengths, but lowest resistance to freezing and thawing with de-icing salt. The 28-day cured Type V cement concrete produced the highest strength and de-icing salt resistance, while CSA cement concrete produced the contrary.