Experimental Study of Durability of Reactive Powder Concretes

Abstract

The durability of reactive powder concretes (RPC) has been defined by measuring porosity, air permeability, water absorption, diffusion, and migration of chloride ions, accelerated carbonation, resistance to reinforcement corrosion, resistivity, and resistance to mechanical abrasion. Results were compared with the characteristics of a grade 30 MPa concrete with a low cement content and a grade 80 MPa very high performance concrete. The RPC displays excellent granular compactness, and its low water content helps reduce porosity. This results in an excellent resistance to the penetration of aggressive agents with respect to the reference concretes, and structures built with RPC are expected to significantly outlast those built with ordinary concrete.