Spalling of concrete: A synthesis of experimental tests on slabs

Abstract

The article reviews the results of many commercial or research tests carried out in CSTB on middle size concrete slabs. They concern 22 concrete slabs, made of normal and high strength concrete, for a rather wide range of thickness and compressive strength classes. Test procedures and a synthesis of main results are presented in order to provide deeper understanding of near-reality conditions of concrete structures. The tests concerned both new and existing tunnels. Results are detailed in relation with main parameters that are identified as impacting spalling in previous studies, such as concrete composition, concrete properties and specimen size.