Quantifying Changes in Surface Characteristics of Concrete due to Progressive Deterioration

Scaling, erosion, and cracking are some manifestations of deterioration of concrete surfaces due to chemical attack, exposure to cyclic freezing and thawing, and so forth. Though a rating of the surface can be done visually using some standard method, such an evaluation still remains largely qualitative and subjective. For laying down specifications and maintenance of structures, quantitative and objective methods are required to assist objective decision-making. This paper reports the results of the application of a modified version of a test procedure that is used to determine the surface texture of pavements using concrete specimens subjected to accelerated deterioration due to cyclic freezing and thawing. It is found that the test can be used in conjunction with others to maintain an objective and quantitative record of deterioration of surface characteristics. The fact that the test is nondestructive, noninvasive, and requires only minimum training of workers and simple tools, makes the proposition of using this test more attractive. A possible classification that can be used for specification writing and maintenance of structures is also suggested.