Effect of vibration on freeze-thaw resistance of concrete

Abstract

Pre-stressed concrete is used for manufacturing railroad ties. Air entrainment is used in concrete railroad ties to provide durability in freeze-thaw conditions commonly present in track. Vibration practices in pre-stressed concrete railroad tie plants could contribute to excessive air loss during manufacture and thus poor freeze-thaw resistance. Rheological properties of fresh concrete significantly influence the determination of how much air is lost during vibration. This research attempted to increase understanding of the effect of vibration on air bubble distribution and freeze-thaw resistance of concrete given certain compositions and rheological properties of concrete. The objective was achieved by examining the effect of different admixtures combinations, vibration parameters, and rheological properties on the air void system and freeze-thaw resistance of concrete. This research also proposed a method to measure rheological properties of concrete when vibrated and for concrete mixtures too stiff to measure using conventional rheology measurements. Results showed that delaying the initiation of vibration can cause significant air loss but does not necessarily decrease freeze-thaw performance of concrete. Results also showed that a majority of air loss occurs in the first 30 seconds of vibration. The types of admixtures used in the concrete mixture can significantly affect the air system and freeze-thaw durability of concrete; this effect was shown to be more pronounced in mixtures with low yield stress and plastic viscosity. While the peak vibration acceleration had a mild effect, the frequency and peak velocity of vibration did not seem to have a noticeable effect on the air system and freeze-thaw performance of concrete. Results also showed that rheological properties of stiff mixtures can be estimated by running the rheology test during vibration.