External sulfate attack is a complex process that can result in concrete structures deteriorating prematurely. This dissertation describes a comprehensive evaluation of factors influencing external sulfate attack and includes both laboratory and field investigations. Significant emphasis was placed on evaluating the sulfate resistance of mortar and concrete containing high-calcium fly ash (Class C fly ash as per ASTM C 618). This investigation showed that these fly ashes generally reduced the sulfate resistance of mortar and concrete, but that sulfate resistance was possible through the incorporation of other supplementary cementing materials (silica fume and ultra fine fly ash) into these mixtures. Another key area of emphasis in this project was the correlation between accelerated laboratory tests and outdoor exposure site performance. The behavior of concrete exposed to various sulfate salts (sodium, magnesium, and calcium) was evaluated, both in static immersion tests and in outdoor sulfate trenches. It was found that the distress outdoors was exacerbated by physical sulfate attack, especially when concrete was exposed to sodium sulfate. It was found that lowering the water-tocementitious ratio (w/cm) and incorporating appropriate dosages of suitable supplementary cementing materials improved resistance to both chemical and physical forms of sulfate attack. Lastly, a comprehensive study of bridges throughout Texas discovered concrete structures suffering from possible external sulfate attack. The use of analytical techniques such as x-ray diffraction (XRD) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) were used throughout the study to determine the presence of hydration products that may form with mortars and concrete specimens. Findings from this research will be implemented in specifications in Texas for the use of Class C fly ash use in concrete in areas that may have sulfate soils and groundwater.

published_or_final_version / Civil Engineering / Master / Master of Philosophy

published_or_final_version / Civil Engineering / Master / Master of Philosophy

No description available.

Excessive early-age concrete surface moisture evaporation causes many problems of concrete pavements, such as plastic shrinkage cracking and delamination; the use of liquid membrane-forming curing compounds is one of the most prevalent methods to mitigate the issues. However, the present standard test, ASTM C 156-98, “Standard Test Method of Water Retention by Concrete Curing Materials” has some inherent limitations in assessing the curing effectiveness of concrete. To better apply curing practices and qualify the curing compound, a new evaluation protocol is introduced in this study. The new protocol consists of using measured relative humidity and temperature to calculate an effectiveness index (EI) which serves as an indicator of the effectiveness of curing. Moistures loss and surface abrasion resistance measurements were made on concrete specimen, and were found to have significant correlation with EI, where higher EI were associated with lower moisture loss and higher surface abrasion resistance. EI was also found to be sensitive to ambient wind condition, types of curing compound and the application rate of the curing compound. Dielectric constant (DC) measurements were also made on concrete specimens indicating the free moisture content on the surface concrete. The DC measurements were also found to differentiate the quality of curing under different ambient conditions, with various types of the curing compounds and the w/c of the concrete mixture. The utility of using the new protocol to assess concrete curing compound effectiveness was also evaluated under the field condition. Both EI and DC measurements showed potentials to distinguish the curing quality for concrete pavement construction.

This thesis is a survey of the precast reinforced concrete skeleton system used in low-cost housing (SPCSS), which has widely spread to different areas of the world, but less studied. The thesis includes three major parts: (1) the development of SPCSS; (2) the design, performance feature of SPCSS; and (3) cases studies. / The development of SPCSS traces its origin as the structure of prefabricated houses for the housing shortage after the world war in Europe to its spread to developing countries for low-cost housing. / Design and performance study focuses on its features related to low-cost housing its special considerations and key points in design as a small component system, its acclaimed system performance features. / Case studies surveys 15 typical cases. Each case includes general background of the system, system design, comments following the design consideration and example of its application.

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Thesis (PhD)--University of South Australia, 1996