INFLUENCE OF SALT ON THE FREEZE-THAW DETERIORATION OF CONCRETE

Tests of concrete and mortar samples in extended freeze-thaw cycles after impregnation with varying quantities of sodium chloride indicate that the effect of salt on concrete is a minor factor on concrete deterioration in streets and highways. Literature references to allowable maxima of salt impregnation are low and can be misleading when evaluating concrete. Evidence is presented showing that damage starts at the microcrack level when water freezes and imposes tensile stresses, causing spalling. Salt in microcracks moisture lowers the freezing temperature and thus tends to reduce freeze-thaw damage, but this effect is offset to some extend by the Hydroscopic reaction of NaCl in the cracks. Details are given of a test program involving submerging samples in salt water, imposing freeze-thaw cycles, measuring salt contents, and others. On-site tests on a bridge are discussed. Use of air-entrained concrete is suggested as beneficial and good quality, dense concrete is less susceptible than poor mixes. Polymer and wax impregnation are beneficial; application of a water proof membrane and linseed oil applications are discussed. Effects of vibration and other factors are considered. /Author/

• Availability:
  • Find a library where document is available. Order URL: http://worldcat.org/issn/00941492
• Supplemental Notes:
  • Presented during Corosion/76, Houston, Texas, March, 1976.
• Corporate Authors:

  National Association of Corrosion Engineers

  P.O. Box 1499
  Houston, TX  United States  77001
• Authors:
  • Cantor, T R
  • Kneeter, C P
• Publication Date: 1977-5

Media Info

• Features: Figures; References; Tables;
• Pagination: p. 28-32
• Serial:
  • Materials Performance (MP)
  • Volume: 16
  • Issue Number: 5
  • Publisher: National Association of Corrosion Engineers
  • ISSN: 0094-1492
  • Serial URL: http://www.nace.org/Publications/Materials-Performance/

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Air entrainment; Bridges; Concrete; Deterioration; Freeze thaw tests; Freezing; Highways; Hygroscopic coefficient; Impregnation (Engineering); Microcracking; Mortar; Polymers; Spalling; Tension; Thaw; Vibration; Waterproofing materials
• Uncontrolled Terms: Deteriorated concrete; Freeze thaw cycles; Tensile stress
• Subject Areas: Bridges and other structures; Highways; Materials;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 00157754
• Record Type: Publication
• Files: TRIS
• Created Date: Oct 13 1977 12:00AM