DURABILITI OF CONCRETE

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Definition of durability
 Durability is the ability of concrete to resist
weathering action, chemical attack, and abrasion
while maintaining its desired engineering properties.
 Different concretes require different degrees of
durability depending on the exposure environment
and the properties desired.
 Concrete ingredients, their proportioning, interactions
between them, placing and curing practices, and the
service environment determine the ultimate durability
and life of the concrete.
 Durable concrete will retain its original form, quality
and serviceability when exposed to its environment.

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These causes will affect the durability of
concrete:
1. Spalling due to corrosion of reinforcement
2. Alkali-aggregate Reaction (AAR)
3. Chemical Attack
4. Surface Deterioration
5. Cracking
6. Freeze/Thaw Action
7. Efflorescence

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 Exposure Conditions and
Deterioration Mechanisms
Durablility Aspect/Exposur Mechanism

Alkali-Aggregate Reaction

Alkali-Silica Reaction

Alkali-Carbonate Reaction

Sulfates
Chemical Resistance

Seawater Acids

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Exposure Conditions and
Deterioration Mechanisms (cont’d)
Durablility Aspect/Exposur Mechanism

Chloride Resistance

Carbonation
Corrosion of
Reinforcement
Corrosion

Freezing and Thawing

Deicer Scaling
Freeze-Thaw
D-Cracking

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 Exposure Conditions and
Deterioration Mechanisms (cont’d)
Durablility Aspect/Exposur Mechanism

Abrasion

Erosion

Fire Resistance

Efflorescence

Miscellaneous

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ASR EXPANSION MECHANISM

 Breakdown of the silica structure in the

aggregate by hydroxyl ions.
 Silica becomes available to form AS gel
 When the silica gel comes in contact with
water, it will swells
 Reaction rate depends on:
 Reactivity of silica in aggregate
 Alkali content in cement

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The most important factors influencing
the phenomenon are:
 The alkali content of the cement and the cement
content in concrete
 The alkali-ion contribution from sources other than
portland cement, such as admixture, salt-
contaminated aggregates, and penetration of sea
water or deicing salt solution into concrete
 The amount, size, and reactivity of the alkali-reactive
constituent present in the aggregate
 The availability of moisture to the concrete structure
 The ambient temperature.

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