Effect of cement content on transport in concrete

Abstract

In this study the effect of cement content on transport processes important to the durability of concrete structures is assessed. Four basic concretes, each at four cement contents (300, 350, 400 and 450 km/m3) and held at a constant free water/cement ratio without the use of admixtures, were tested for their resistance to oxygen diffusion, oxygen permeation, water absorption, electrical conduction, chloride diffusion and carbonation. Despite the wide range of transport processes and different pre-conditioning regimes involved, it was found that in all cases, resistance to transport reduced as cement content was increased. The results are reviewed with regard to the effects of cement content on the microstructure of concrete and on the durability of concrete structures. (A)