CONCRETE BEAMS EXPOSED TO AGGRESSIVE INDUSTRIAL ENVIRONMENTS

摘要

In 1973, a comprehensive experimental research programme began in order to evaluate the corrosion effects and the long-term behaviour of different types of concrete elements (reinforced and prestressed, normal and lightweight) maintained in urban and chemically aggressive environments (industrial chlorine, industrial nitrogen) for 10, 15, 20 and 25 years. The other parameters, which were taken into account in the design of the programme, are: cement type and cement content, thickness of concrete cover, beam surface protection type. Protected and unprotected beams maintained in chemically aggressive environments were analysed, then tested up to failure and the results were compared to those resulting from witness elements. In the paper, the principal aspects and conclusions regarding the durability of the concrete beams, after 20 years of exposure, are reported.