Experimental Comparison of Methods to Assess the Durability of Concrete Pavement Deteriorated from Scaling and Freeze–Thaw Effect

Abstract

In cold climates, deicing agents are used to reduce traffic problems due to ice and snowdrifts. However, the use of deicing salts results in accelerated scaling of concrete surfaces on account of damage caused by salt combined with rapid freeze–thaw cycles. These cycles reduce user safety and the service life of concrete pavement. Moreover, scaling is the deterioration of concrete due to the general loss of surface mortar or the mortar surrounding aggregates in concrete. Numerous methods have been proposed and evaluations have been conducted to predict the degree of deterioration caused by scaling and freeze–thaw cycles. In the present study, several previously proposed test methods were experimentally investigated and their differences were examined. Although the watertightness and durability properties of fly ash concrete were observed to be excellent, the scaling resistance decreased. Therefore, it is considered that scaling resistance has a direct effect on cement paste strength. Furthermore, measurement of the scaling resistance varies according to the saline solution, surface finishing treatment, and freeze–thaw environments. In this study, saline solutions that combined the deicing agents NaCl and CaCl₂ were used. The surfaces of the test specimens were given the same finish as the field samples using a stiff brush after bleeding. It was determined that these conditions must be considered to simulate conditions that are similar to those of roads, and a critical experimental assessment must be undertaken.