Chemical and Mechanical Properties of 70-Year-Old Concrete

Abstract

The aim of this research is to determine the durability and strength of concrete continuous footing based on the chosen mechanical, physical, and chemical properties of the concrete. The presented investigations constitute some opinions from experts on the bearing capacity of concrete continuous footing and the possibilities of carrying additional loads and extended working life. The cylindrical specimens were taken from continuous footing by a concrete core bore hole diamond drill machine. The properties of old concrete are compared with present and old standard requirements and guidelines. Large dispersions of the cylindrical compressive strength (6.9–29.3 MPa), density (1,750–2,100 kg/m3), and water absorption (5%–14%) were observed. A short literature survey concerning old concrete properties is also given.