Introduction of resistance classes in the future concrete standard

Concepts to ensure the durability of concrete structures

Currently the durability aspects of concrete structures are regulated in the standards in a descriptive way. Depending on the exposure class, specified by the designer, in the concrete stan-dard certain minimum requirements are defined referring the maximum water/cement ratio, minimum cement content, minimum compressive strength etc. However, the relevant properties themselves such as carbonation resistance or freeze resistance are not directly considered. Rather it is assumed that with those indirect parameters, which are determined on empirical basis, the durability of the concrete can be...

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Issue 11/2014 Wayss & Freytag

Concrete with increased acid resistance for pipes and shafts

Conversion of the subterranean wastewater treatment plants between the German cities of Dortmund and Dinslaken results in an ecological upgrading of the catchment area of the EmscherRiver and...

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Issue 03/2011 Sika

Concrete durability through 100 years of innovation

There he invented Sika-1, a quick-setting waterproofing admixture for mortar, which was used to waterproof the Gotthard Tunnel, enabling the Swiss railway company to electrify this important...

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Issue 11/2020

Strategies for enhancing fire resistance of high-strength concrete structures

Resiliency is a key parameter for critical infrastructure. Concrete structures exhibit a high level of resiliency in terms of safety, robustness, durability, and disaster resistance. However, while...

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Issue 02/2013 Limitations of EN 13791

Evaluation of the compressive strengths of concrete on new and existing structures

When converting structures to other uses following damage, negative results of the conformity and acceptance tests, faulty execution of the construction, or when the adequacy  of the existing...

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Issue 02/2016 Diatomaceous earth as a functional additive

Improved freeze-thaw resistance, strength and durability of concrete products

Concrete needs to exhibit a high freeze-thaw resistance to ensure long service lives, particularly in the case of concrete products used in road construction. This characteristic is primarily achieved...

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