Establishment of a preconditioning regime for air permeability and sorptivity of alkali-activated slag concrete. (October 2016)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Yang, Kai; Yang, Changhui; Magee, Bryan; Nanukuttan, Sreejith; Ye, Jianxiong
• Is Part Of: Cement & concrete composites. Volume 73(2016)
• Page Start: 19
• Page End: 28
• Publication Date: 2016-10
• Subjects: Alkali-activated slag concrete -- Relative humidity -- Sorptivity -- Porosity -- Air permeability; Composite-reinforced concrete -- Periodicals; Concrete -- Periodicals; Composite materials -- Periodicals; Composites de ciment -- Périodiques; Béton -- Périodiques; Composites -- Périodiques; Béton léger -- Périodiques; Cement composites; Composite materials; Composite-reinforced concrete; Concrete; Lightweight concrete; Periodicals; Electronic journals; 620.135
• DOI: 10.1016/j.cemconcomp.2016.06.019
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0958-9465

Abstract

Abstract: This study reports an experimental investigation designed to assess the influence of near-surface moisture contents on permeation properties of alkali-activated slag concrete (AASC). Five different drying periods (5, 10, 15, 20 and 25 days) and three AASC and normal concretes with compressive strength grades ranging from C30 to C60 were considered. Assessment of moisture distribution was achieved using 100 mm diameter cores with drilled cavities. Results indicate that air permeability of AASC is very sensitive to the moisture content and its spatial distribution, especially at relative humidity above 65%. To control the influence of moisture on permeation testing, the recommendation of this paper is that AASC specimens should be dried in controlled conditions at 40 °C for 10 days prior to testing. It was also concluded from this study that AASC tends to perform less well, in terms of air permeability and sorptivity, than normal concrete for a given strength grade. This conclusion reinforces the need to further examine AASC properties prior to its widespread practical use.