A Road Map for Research and Implementation of Freeze-Thaw Resistant Highway Concrete

Abstract

The freeze thaw (F-T) durability of portland cement concrete (PCC) is a function of the exposure condition, concrete saturation, and the quality of the paste, aggregate, and air-void system. Unfortunately, the interplay of these variables is not well characterized. Because of this, most current specifications use a “one size fits all” approach to designing and specifying F-T durability, an approach that does not address the performance of modern materials, construction methods, and local exposure conditions. In some cases this leads to overdesign of concrete that wastes money and resources. In other cases key performance criteria may be missed that shortens the service life of a highway structure, such as a pavement, bridge element, etc. This paper outlines a road map for research and implementation leading to highway concrete design and specification for F-T durability. The proposed implementation is to consider the local exposure, design life, allowable risk, available materials, construction practices, and maintenance procedures as inputs to the design of the project. This decision making process will help design engineers address the critical FT variables and provide a robust approach to obtaining F-T durability that can be tailored to the needs of the project. All details of this approach are not provided as they are still being established through ongoing or proposed research. Instead, this paper establishes the need, outlines the framework for this approach, and initiates the discussion of what critical details are needed and how they might be obtained.