Chloride Ion Transport in Bridge Deck Concrete under Different Curing Durations
Publication: Journal of Bridge Engineering
Volume 13, Issue 3
Abstract
During freezing temperatures, ice accumulates on exposed concrete slabs such as bridge decks. Deicing salts such as calcium chloride are applied to control this ice formation. These salts migrate down to the reinforcing steel, and they can break down the passivation layer on steel, causing it to corrode. This paper is part of a broader research study to explore the possibility of opening the bridge decks earlier than the 10–12 days as practiced now, by decreasing the number of wet-mat curing days. Seven concrete mixtures typically used in Texas bridge decks were evaluated for chloride permeability using the ponding test (AASHTO T259). The primary experimental variables were the curing duration, type and percentage of supplemental cementitious materials, type of coarse aggregate, duration of ponding, and the surface preparation of ponded concrete specimens. Results of the investigation indicated that curing duration may be decreased for some concrete mixtures as no apparent improvement was shown after a specific curing duration, which ranged from 2 to 8 days depending on the mix.
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Acknowledgments
The writers would like to thank the Texas Department of Transportation for its sponsorship of this research. The technical assistance of Michael Leaverton, Manav Nanda, and Adlane Metouri is also acknowledged.
References
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Information & Authors
Information
Published In
Journal of Bridge Engineering
Volume 13 • Issue 3 • May 2008
Pages: 218 - 225
Copyright
© 2008 ASCE.
History
Received: Jan 12, 2006
Accepted: Jul 14, 2006
Published online: May 1, 2008
Published in print: May 2008
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