A large portion of an airport property is occupied by runways and taxiways, which must be kept in excellent condition to ensure the safety of the airplanes, and the people on board. Any free objects on the airfield can cause damage to aircraft and are a possible danger to both the airplanes and the passengers. However, deterioration of the concrete airfield can be a major hazard and the presence of de-icing and anti-icing fluids may accelerate degradation. The focus of this project was the evaluation and assessment of aircraft de-icing and anti-icing fluids on the deterioration of airfield concrete. These fluids are used to remove and prevent snow and ice formation on aircraft by lowering the freezing temperature of water. The primary component in both fluids is ethylene glycol, while additives, which are proprietary and unknown, are mixed in to control various properties. Very little research has been done regarding the effect of the de-icer and anti-icers on the concrete deterioration. The aim of this study was to gain a better understanding of its influence on the deterioration of airfield concrete through a series of mechanical and electro-chemical tests, as well as microscopic and elemental analysis. Based on the comparative experiments and analyses performed using water, ethylene glycol, de-icer, and anti-icer, it appears that de-icing fluids do not prematurely cause concrete deterioration. In addition, experimental procedures in this study utilized the de-icing fluids as a concentrate, which are unrealistic conditions on an airfield, where dilution occurs from the addition of water and the presence of snow and ice. There was precipitate formation in all cases of cement paste exposure to de-icing fluid, however, which indicates that reactions are occurring and should be investigated further to determine the long term effects on concrete. With respect to the scope of this study, it was determined that the use of de-icers and anti-icers cause no significant detrimental effects on concrete mechanical properties and durability.

A large portion of an airport property is occupied by runways and taxiways, which must be kept in excellent condition to ensure the safety of the airplanes, and the people on board. Any free objects on the airfield can cause damage to aircraft and are a possible danger to both the airplanes and the passengers. However, deterioration of the concrete airfield can be a major hazard and the presence of de-icing and anti-icing fluids may accelerate degradation. The focus of this project was the evaluation and assessment of aircraft de-icing and anti-icing fluids on the deterioration of airfield concrete. These fluids are used to remove and prevent snow and ice formation on aircraft by lowering the freezing temperature of water. The primary component in both fluids is ethylene glycol, while additives, which are proprietary and unknown, are mixed in to control various properties. Very little research has been done regarding the effect of the de-icer and anti-icers on the concrete deterioration. The aim of this study was to gain a better understanding of its influence on the deterioration of airfield concrete through a series of mechanical and electro-chemical tests, as well as microscopic and elemental analysis. Based on the comparative experiments and analyses performed using water, ethylene glycol, de-icer, and anti-icer, it appears that de-icing fluids do not prematurely cause concrete deterioration. In addition, experimental procedures in this study utilized the de-icing fluids as a concentrate, which are unrealistic conditions on an airfield, where dilution occurs from the addition of water and the presence of snow and ice. There was precipitate formation in all cases of cement paste exposure to de-icing fluid, however, which indicates that reactions are occurring and should be investigated further to determine the long term effects on concrete. With respect to the scope of this study, it was determined that the use of de-icers and anti-icers cause no significant detrimental effects on concrete mechanical properties and durability.

O presente trabalho contempla um estudo experimental de análise do comportamento de concretos projetados por via seca, através de ensaios indicadores dos principais parâmetros de durabilidade, constantes de especificações nacionais e internacionais. A pesquisa envolve a avaliação comparativa entre quatro tipos de cimento especialmente formulados para uso em concreto projetado, em relação a outros dois tipos de cimento tradicionalmente empregados na composição de misturas projetáveis, no que se refere ao atendimento aos requisitos relativos à durabilidade, normalmente especificados para o material. Os concretos projetados, elaborados com consumos de cimento de 300 kg/m³, 350 kg/m³, 400 kg/m³ e 450kg/m³ foram inicialmente caracterizados, no estado fresco, com base em ensaios de consistência e depois produzidas amostras, em condições similares às de obra e estas submetidas aos ensaios balizadores de parâmetros de durabilidade adotados neste estudo, a saber: Absorção por Imersão e Fervura, Índice de Vazios, Massa Específica Real; Absorção de Água por Capilaridade; Migração de Íons Cloreto; Resistividade Elétrica; Penetração de Água sob Pressão e Carbonatação Acelerada. Como alguns dos ensaios supracitados não são destrutivos, foi possível aproveitar corpos-de-prova, que foram depois submetidos a ensaios de resistência à compressão axial e à tração através da compressão diametral, que também contribuíram para caracterização do material. De um modo geral, os resultados foram satisfatórios e atenderam às especificações vigentes. Contudo, os concretos elaborados com cimentos especiais, formulados com granulometria mais fina e adição de metacaulim, apresentaram indicadores de durabilidade consideravelmente superiores aos dos concretos elaborados com cimentos convencionais ou mesmo cimentos especiais formulados com aditivos, inclusive para consumos relativamente baixos. Apesar de não ter sido o foco principal deste trabalho, vale ressaltar os surpreendentes resultados dos ensaios de resistência mecânica, obtidos para os concretos elaborados com cimentos especiais formulados com granulometria mais fina e adição de metacaulim, que atingiram valores de resistência à compressão nunca antes observados, fato que pode tornar o material bastante promissor. / The present work involves an experimental study with dry-mix shotcrete aiming at the behavior analysis, through indicative testing of the main durability parameters of national and international specifications. The research involves the use of four cement types especially formulated for use in shotcrete use in comparison with two other cements that are traditionally used in mix production for shotcrete spraying. The shotcrete mixtures were elaborated with cement consumptions of 300 kg/m³, 350 kg/m³, 400 kg/m³ and 450kg/m³. They were characterized initially, in the fresh state, in terms of stiffness tests, and later, cores were extracted to produce samples, in similar conditions and submitted to ordinary durability tests: Water Absorption, Volume of Voids, Specific Weight; Water Absorption by Capillarity; Chloride Migration; Electric Resistivity; Water Penetration under Pressure and Accelerated Carbonatation. As some of the tests are not destructive, some of the samples was used for compressive and tensile (Brazilian Test) strength determination, what also contributed to additional characterization of the material. In general, the results were very satisfactory and they fit to the specifications requirements. However, the shotcretes elaborated with special cements, formulated with finer gradation and metakaolin addition, presented a much better behavior in terms of durability indicators comparing to the shotcretes produced with conventional cements and cements formulated with accelerators, even when, relatively low consumption of cement was used. Despite not being the main focus of this work, it is worth mentioning the surprising results of the testing of mechanical resistance, obtained for the shotcretes elaborated with special cements formulated with finer gradation and metakaolin addition, which reached resistance values to the compression never observed, making it a promising material.

This present study benchmarked the chloride resistance of concretes mixes at the limit state of BS 8500-1:2006 using the newly published CEN TS12390-11. Of the three allowed methodologies, the immersion test was carried out. At least two water-cement ratios were produced for each mix design to enable normalisation of the results. The performance of concrete was compared on the basis of equal compressive strength, i.e. 40 and 50 N/mm2 and an equal water-cement ratio of 0.45. In addition to the CEN TS 12390-11:2010, rapid test methods NT Build 492 and a steady-state migration test UNE 83987:2009 were also conducted. Selected concretes were also tested for cyclic wetting in artificial sea water and evolution of chloride diffusion over the test period. The ageing factor of concrete mixes, which describes the development of diffusion coefficient (D) from the unsteady to steady-state determined from this research was compared with those reported in The Concrete Society Technical Report 61. Test specimens for highway exposure were also produced for future research work. CEN has just agreed and published (at the time of the writing of this thesis) a test methodology for chloride resistance as a technical standard (CEN, 2010). The test method underpins the equivalent durability performance approach. Therefore, the use of this test was investigated in terms of evolution of the chloride diffusion, and effect of cyclic wetting and drying in artificial seawater exposure. As the test method is slow, (3 months to complete), other rapid test methods were also studied on the same specimens. The results from these tests were compared to look for the possibility of having a faster test methodology for chloride durability. Overall, the results showed that concrete mixes at the limiting value of BS 8500-1:2006 have a wide range of performance between 0.3 × 10-12 m2/s and 20 × 10-12 m2/s regardless of the test methods. Ranking of concrete according to performance shows that this changes with age. This is the same for all test methods although the rate of change is different between different test methods. However, the ranking of concrete at equal compressive strength and equal water-cement ratio follows the general order of (from best to worst) ggbs> fly ash> silica fume> limestone> CEM I. It was also postulated that there is a limit to the benefit of reducing water-cement ratio to improve durability. This is because of at very low water cement ratio, concrete may develop autogenous cracking that is detrimental to the porosity. Using the CEN TS 12390-11:2010 it was found that CEM I, fly ash and silica fume mixes follows the same ageing factor proposed by Concrete Society Technical Report 61 although ggbs shows a different ageing factor. The improvement of ggbs quality was attributed to this change. It was also found that 90 days test duration was optimum as a shorter period risks giving a non stable diffusion rate whilst longer than 90 days shows insignificant change in Dnss values. Exposure of selected concrete specimens to cyclic wetting and drying in artificial seawater elevated to 1 M NaCl equivalent shows reduced chloride diffusion. However, the mechanism controlling this is not clear. The thesis showed that some of the limiting value requirement for BS 8500-1:2006 does not meet the durability requirements for chloride resistance. There are some concrete mixes recommended that performs poorly in testing. The research reported also provides further understanding of the new CEN TS 12390-11:2010 in terms comparative ranking of cements up to the point of comparative performance between other tests methods. Validation of the ageing factor for chloride durability is also provided as well as the need for updates in the age factor values due to changes in the nature of cements.

It is well-known that concrete permeability is a good indicator of its expected durability until it remains uncracked. However, in various stages of its service life, different types of cracking in concrete can be developed due to exposure to different deterioration processes such as early plastic shrinkage or chloride-induced reinforcement corrosion. Although these cracks may not endanger concrete’s structural performance from the mechanical point of view, they create a pathway for aggressive ions that can initiate degradation processes, lead to increase in concrete permeability and thus reduce its durability. Cracking in concrete might not be preventable, but its capability to naturally seal small cracks, named autogenous self-healing (SH), provides an additional feature to manufacture more durable concrete structures. However, natural self-healing capability of concrete is limited and therefore it is typically omitted in the design of concrete structures. Hence, more attention has been recently paid to Engineered Self-healing Concrete (EShC) which is associated with artificially triggered healing mechanisms into the cementitious matrix by incorporating various substances such as crystalline products. EShC helps in reducing concrete permeability; thus, increasing its service-life and durability. Due to formation of needle-shaped pore-blocking crystals, Crystalline Admixtures (CA), as a candidate from the Permeability-Reducing Admixtures (PRA) category, can be implemented into concrete mixtures to fabricate EShC concretes. Crystalline waterproofing technology is not new, but still is unknown to many researchers, engineers, and construction industry professionals. The lack of knowledge of its microstructure and self-healing properties limits CA’s proper usage in the construction industry. The techniques to assess the self-healing capability of mortar and concrete are not well-standardized yet. No research work has been done to address certain durability characteristics of this material (i.e. electrical resistivity (ER) or chloride diffusivity) especially when combined with Supplementary Cementitious Materials (SCM) and Portland Limestone Cement (PLC). Since the resistance of concrete against ions’ penetration is a function of its permeability, it might be a straightforward and reliable parameter to rapidly evaluate concrete’s durability during its intended service life. Hence, electrical resistivity measurement is considered as an indirect and alternative tool for other time-consuming permeability testing techniques to examine the CA’s efficiency as it modifies the concrete’s microstructure by crystals’ deposition; thus, leads to permeability improvement. In comparison to previous studies, on a larger scale, this thesis aims to systematically study the effects of CA on the microstructural features, self-healing properties and long-term durability and resistivity of cement-based materials and in addition, draw some comprehensive conclusions on the use of CA in new and repair applications. This study is divided into three major phases to propose all-inclusive work on using CA in construction industry. To satisfy the goals of each individual phase, a test matrix consisting of a series of four mixes with variables such as use of PLC or presence of CA in powder form is considered. In order to address to the lack of research and industry knowledge discussed above, this PhD thesis includes the following phases: Phase (I) In this phase, the main focus is on the microstructural properties and the changes in the pore structure and chemical compositions of the cement phase of mortar mixes when treated with CA. These microstructural features are studied using Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) and Scanning Transmission Electron Holography Microscope (STEHM). Moreover, physical and chemical characteristics of the hydration products are determined using image analysis and Energy Dispersive X-ray (EDX) Spectroscopy, respectively. Phase (II) This phase is allocated to macro-level investigation of durability characteristics such as chloride/water permeability and electrical resistivity of concrete structures containing CA and PLC cement. To non-destructively measure the chloride ion concentration in the field conditions, both changes in corrosion potential of rebars and concrete electrical resistivity in treated circular hollow-section steel reinforced columns exposed to simulated marine environment is monitored and compared over a 2-year period with control samples. In addition, laboratory-size concrete samples are studied to investigate the effects of CA presence on long-term resistivity, rapid chloride permeability, water permeability and chloride diffusivity of concrete. Later, a resistivity-based model is developed to predict long-term performance of concretes incorporating slag or metakaolin, studied in various environmental conditions. The long-term goal of this phase is to develop a standard design guideline and durability-based model. Phase (III) Using an innovative self-healing testing method [1], quantitative analysis of crack closure ability and self-healing potential of CA treated and control concretes with OPC or PLC cement is accomplished during this phase. The obtained results from first phase showed that hydrated CA particle revealed fine, compact, homogenous morphology examined by STEHM and its diffraction pattern after water-activation indicated nearly amorphous structure, however, diffuse rings, an evidence for short-range structural order and sub-crystalline region, were observed which requires further investigation. The SEM micrographs taken from specimen’s fractured surface showed formation of pore-blocking crystals for all treated mixes while similar spots in un-treated sections were left uncovered. Although needle-shaped crystals were observed in the treated mortar specimens, but not all of them had shapes and chemical compositions other than ettringite (well-known to form needle-like crystals). Using backscatter SEM images and EDX spectrums, examination of polished mortar sections with and without CA also showed typical hydration phases, forming in the control system. Results from phase II showed that concretes treated with CA had almost 50% lower water penetration depth and thus smaller permeability coefficient when compared with the virgin OPC or PLC concretes. According to salt ponding test results, the use of CA helped in enhancing the resistance to chloride penetration compared to control concrete. This improvement increases with increasing in concrete age. Strong linear relationship between Surface Resistivity (SR) and Bulk Resistivity (BR) data was observed which indicates that these test methods can be used interchangeably. The presence of SCM in concrete indicated considerable increase in both SR and BR compared to control concrete. Concretes incorporating slag or metakaolin have tendency to react more slowly (or rapidly in MK case), consume calcium hydroxide over time, form more Calcium Silicate Hydrate (C-S-H) gel, densify internal matrix, and also reduce OH- in the pores’ solution; thus, increase concrete electrical resistivity. For laboratory specimens, environmental conditions such as temperature variation and degree of water saturation indicated considerable effects on electrical resistivity measurements. As temperature or water content of concrete decreases, its electrical resistivity greatly increases by more than 2-3 times from reference environmental condition. This is mostly because of variation or accessibility in electron mobility. Experimental results from field investigation showed that electrical resistivity readings were highly influenced by the presence of rebar and concrete moisture conditions. In addition, concrete cover thickness and CA addition into cementitious matrix had a negligible effect on its resistivity. In the last phase, an optical microscope was used to measure the average crack width. OPC samples had an average measured crack width of 0.244 mm as compared to 0.245 mm for OPC-CA, 0.251 mm for PLC, and 0.247 mm for PLC-CA. Self-healing test results also showed 90% self-healing ratio for CA modified mix within few days after starting experiment. Addition of CA into the mix led to higher rates of healing and full crack closure (width up to 250 µm) when compared to reference concrete. An empirical equation that relates water initial flow rate to the crack width (Q∝〖CW〗^3) was also proposed in this phase. Presence of PLC and CA in the mixture resulted in positive improvement in crack-closing capability and self-healing ratio. / Graduate / 2019-09-11

Many Ministry of Transportation of Ontario (MTO) projects consist of construction and maintenance of reinforced concrete structures. Where appropriate test methods exist, MTO has been moving towards use of performance-based specifications for durability control of concrete. MTO currently uses ASTM C1202 (RCPT) coulomb values to assess concrete durability. This test requires taking cores, so replacing this test with a faster non-destructive technique is important. The main focus of this program was to study the Wenner probe surface resistivity as a non-destructive test device and evaluate the potential for replacement of RCPT with the Wenner resistivity. This research program consists of the determination of RCPT values, water sorptivity coefficients and electrical resistivities (bulk and surface) of nine concrete mixtures. In addition, the development of the Wenner probe instrument was studied. As well, correlations between resistivity and ASTM C1202 and C1585 are provided followed by technical recommendations for improving the Wenner test.

Many Ministry of Transportation of Ontario (MTO) projects consist of construction and maintenance of reinforced concrete structures. Where appropriate test methods exist, MTO has been moving towards use of performance-based specifications for durability control of concrete. MTO currently uses ASTM C1202 (RCPT) coulomb values to assess concrete durability. This test requires taking cores, so replacing this test with a faster non-destructive technique is important. The main focus of this program was to study the Wenner probe surface resistivity as a non-destructive test device and evaluate the potential for replacement of RCPT with the Wenner resistivity. This research program consists of the determination of RCPT values, water sorptivity coefficients and electrical resistivities (bulk and surface) of nine concrete mixtures. In addition, the development of the Wenner probe instrument was studied. As well, correlations between resistivity and ASTM C1202 and C1585 are provided followed by technical recommendations for improving the Wenner test.

A reação álcali-agregado no concreto é um fenômeno que tem como causa uma reação química que ocorre entre os hidróxidos alcalinos provenientes do cimento e alguns minerais reativos presentes no agregado. Esta reação pode causar a deterioração do concreto, pois os seus subprodutos podem tornar-se expansivos na presença de umidade, originando fissuração, diminuição da resistência, aumento da permeabilidade e, eventualmente, a ruptura da estrutura. O uso de adições minerais em concretos suscetíveis à reação álcali-agregado tem sido apontado como uma alternativa eficiente na prevenção da reação expansiva, juntamente com o uso de agregados não reativos e a limitação dos teores de álcalis no cimento ou concreto. Neste contexto, o presente trabalho teve como objetivo principal a investigação do processo de deterioração do concreto devido à reação álcali-sílica, principalmente no que se refere ao tipo ou mineralogia do agregado e à utilização de cinza de casca de arroz, como substituição parcial do cimento Portland. Desta forma, o programa de pesquisa compreendeu, a realização de ensaios de expansão acelerada em barras de argamassa (ASTM C1260/94) moldadas com cimento Portland tipo CP-I S 32, com teores de 12,5; 25 e 50% de dois tipos de cinza de casca de arroz, em substituição parcial ao cimento, e quatro diferentes tipos de agregados (basalto B, basalto BGO, granito e riodacito). A microestrutura dos materiais utilizados e das barras submetidas ao ensaio acelerado foi avaliada através de técnicas analíticas e experimentais, tais como, petrografia, difração de raios x, porosimetria por intrusão de mercúrio, microscopia eletrônica de varredura e de transmissão (MEV e MET), com microanálise por detecção de energia dispersiva (EDS). Os resultados obtidos no ensaio acelerado comprovaram a potencialidade reativa das rochas analisadas e identificaram uma correlação entre o tipo de rocha e o teor de cinza de casca de arroz. A análise da microestrutura indicou que existe uma reação química da CCA com o meio alcalino utilizado no ensaio que acaba interferindo na formação e na relação C/S dos produtos expansivos resultantes da reação álcali-sílica. / The alkali-aggregate reaction in concretes is a phenomenon caused by a chemical reaction that occurs between alkaline hydroxides from Portland cement and some reactive minerals from aggregates. Such reaction can cause severe concrete deterioration, as its by-products can become expansive in the presence of water, originating fissuration, strength reduction, permeability increase, and eventually, the failure of concrete structures. The use of mineral admixtures in concretes susceptible to the alkali-aggregate reaction has been pointed out as an efficient alternative to prevent concrete expansion, along with the use of non-reactive aggregates and the limitation of the alkali amount in cement or concrete composition. In this context, the main purpose of the present work was the investigation of concrete deterioration due to the alkali-silica reaction, focusing the aspects related to the type or mineralogy of the aggregate and the utilization of rice husk ash as partial substitution of Portland cement. The research program comprised initially accelerated expansion tests carried out in mortar bars (ASTM C 1260/94), which were molded using CP-I S 32 Portland cement, 12.5, 25, and 50% contents of two types of rice husk ash, as partial replacement to the cement, and four different types of rock aggregates (basalt B, Basalt BGO, granite, and rhyodacite). Also, the microstructure of the concrete mixtures investigated, after being submitted to expansion in the accelerated tests, were evaluated through experimental and analytical techniques such as petrography, mercury intrusion porosimetry, x-ray diffraction, scanning and transmission electron microscopy (SEM and TEM), and energy dispersive detection (EDS). The results obtained have proved the reactivity potential of the investigated rock aggregates and identified a correlation between type of aggregate and rice husk ash content. The microstructure analysis indicated that the occurrence of a chemical reaction involving the rice husk ash in the alkaline environment established in the tests, had a significant effect on the amount of expansive by-products as C/S relation resulting from alkali-silica reactions.

A reação álcali-agregado no concreto é um fenômeno que tem como causa uma reação química que ocorre entre os hidróxidos alcalinos provenientes do cimento e alguns minerais reativos presentes no agregado. Esta reação pode causar a deterioração do concreto, pois os seus subprodutos podem tornar-se expansivos na presença de umidade, originando fissuração, diminuição da resistência, aumento da permeabilidade e, eventualmente, a ruptura da estrutura. O uso de adições minerais em concretos suscetíveis à reação álcali-agregado tem sido apontado como uma alternativa eficiente na prevenção da reação expansiva, juntamente com o uso de agregados não reativos e a limitação dos teores de álcalis no cimento ou concreto. Neste contexto, o presente trabalho teve como objetivo principal a investigação do processo de deterioração do concreto devido à reação álcali-sílica, principalmente no que se refere ao tipo ou mineralogia do agregado e à utilização de cinza de casca de arroz, como substituição parcial do cimento Portland. Desta forma, o programa de pesquisa compreendeu, a realização de ensaios de expansão acelerada em barras de argamassa (ASTM C1260/94) moldadas com cimento Portland tipo CP-I S 32, com teores de 12,5; 25 e 50% de dois tipos de cinza de casca de arroz, em substituição parcial ao cimento, e quatro diferentes tipos de agregados (basalto B, basalto BGO, granito e riodacito). A microestrutura dos materiais utilizados e das barras submetidas ao ensaio acelerado foi avaliada através de técnicas analíticas e experimentais, tais como, petrografia, difração de raios x, porosimetria por intrusão de mercúrio, microscopia eletrônica de varredura e de transmissão (MEV e MET), com microanálise por detecção de energia dispersiva (EDS). Os resultados obtidos no ensaio acelerado comprovaram a potencialidade reativa das rochas analisadas e identificaram uma correlação entre o tipo de rocha e o teor de cinza de casca de arroz. A análise da microestrutura indicou que existe uma reação química da CCA com o meio alcalino utilizado no ensaio que acaba interferindo na formação e na relação C/S dos produtos expansivos resultantes da reação álcali-sílica. / The alkali-aggregate reaction in concretes is a phenomenon caused by a chemical reaction that occurs between alkaline hydroxides from Portland cement and some reactive minerals from aggregates. Such reaction can cause severe concrete deterioration, as its by-products can become expansive in the presence of water, originating fissuration, strength reduction, permeability increase, and eventually, the failure of concrete structures. The use of mineral admixtures in concretes susceptible to the alkali-aggregate reaction has been pointed out as an efficient alternative to prevent concrete expansion, along with the use of non-reactive aggregates and the limitation of the alkali amount in cement or concrete composition. In this context, the main purpose of the present work was the investigation of concrete deterioration due to the alkali-silica reaction, focusing the aspects related to the type or mineralogy of the aggregate and the utilization of rice husk ash as partial substitution of Portland cement. The research program comprised initially accelerated expansion tests carried out in mortar bars (ASTM C 1260/94), which were molded using CP-I S 32 Portland cement, 12.5, 25, and 50% contents of two types of rice husk ash, as partial replacement to the cement, and four different types of rock aggregates (basalt B, Basalt BGO, granite, and rhyodacite). Also, the microstructure of the concrete mixtures investigated, after being submitted to expansion in the accelerated tests, were evaluated through experimental and analytical techniques such as petrography, mercury intrusion porosimetry, x-ray diffraction, scanning and transmission electron microscopy (SEM and TEM), and energy dispersive detection (EDS). The results obtained have proved the reactivity potential of the investigated rock aggregates and identified a correlation between type of aggregate and rice husk ash content. The microstructure analysis indicated that the occurrence of a chemical reaction involving the rice husk ash in the alkaline environment established in the tests, had a significant effect on the amount of expansive by-products as C/S relation resulting from alkali-silica reactions.

Doctor of Philosophy / Civil Engineering / Kyle Riding / Air voids are purposefully entrained in concrete to provide freeze-thaw durability of prestressed concrete railroad ties. Durability assurance requires consistent provision of an air void system comprised of small, well-distributed bubbles in sufficient quantity for durability and a quality control method for testing tie freeze-thaw durability. Manufacturing processes at three concrete manufacturing plants were investigated in order to determine the effects of process variability on resulting concrete air void system variability. Variation in the concrete air void system and other rheological properties occurred as results of the manufacturing process and vibration. Freezing and thawing durability testing of prestressed concrete ties is currently performed by applying ASTM C666 on 3 x 4 x 11 to 16 in. specimens cut from the shoulders of concrete ties. However, excising these specimens from prestressed concrete could lead to stress changes in the sample and cracking, potentially causing false interpretations of results. Therefore, testing was undertaken to understand the effects of prestressing and sample extraction on freeze-thaw durability measured by ASTM C666. In order to assess the effects of sampling and testing procedures on freeze-thaw quality control testing results of prestressed concrete railroad ties, full ties, half ties, and 3 x 4 x 11 in. excised samples were tested. Freeze-thaw testing included determination of the optimal method to measure freeze-thaw deterioration in large sections, the effects of saw-cutting, and the presence of reinforcement. Results indicated that the Ultrasonic Pulse Velocity accurately represented deterioration in large sections. The presence of reinforcement in excised samples led to faster deterioration compared to cast ASTM C666 samples, while saw-cutting without reinforcement did not significantly affect freeze-thaw durability.