Papers by Author: Guo Li

Abstract: Rapid freeze–thaw cycle experiments were carried out on concrete specimens with 0.4, 0.5, and 0.6 water–cement (w/c) ratio in 0% (tap water), 1%, and 5% Na₂SO₄ solutions, respectively, to study the performance of ordinary concrete resistance to sulfate freeze–thaw cycle. The specimens underwent visual inspection, and mass losses and relative dynamic elastic modulus (RDEM) were measured regularly. Scanning electron microscope observation and X-ray diffraction analysis were conducted on partial specimens after the freeze–thaw cycle experiment. Research results show that due to the coupling effects of freeze–thaw cycle and sulfate corrosion, freeze–thaw cycles of concrete in Na₂SO₄ solution caused more damages than in tap water. Higher Na₂SO₄ concentration produced severe damages. Concrete with different w/c ratios exhibit different sulfate freeze–thaw cycle resistances, and concrete with lower w/c ratio usually produces stronger resistance. RDEM loss is considered the control index to determine concrete failure. The corrosion products in Na₂SO₄ solution freeze–thaw cycle are mainly ettringite and gypsum. With the increase in Na₂SO₄ concentration, ettringite formation gradually decreases and gypsum formation gradually increases.

Abstract: Water-cement (w/c) ratio is an important parameter in concrete mix ratio design, which also plays an important influence on concrete sulfate corrosion rate. In this paper, concrete cubic specimens with w/c of ratio as 0.4, 0.5 and 0.6 were fabricated, respectively, and put into 10% Na₂SO₄ solution and tap water for 240 days. During the submerging process, superficial corrosion phenomena were observed and concrete cubic strengths were measured periodically. The results showed that the lower the w/c ratio, the stronger the concrete sulfate corrosion resistance is. At the same time, concrete with lower w/c ratio always correspond smaller corrosion layer thickness. Based on the degradation of cubic compressive strength of corroded concrete specimens, the development models of corrosion thickness of each w/c ratio concrete are established as sulfate corrosion goes on

Abstract: Studies about the resistance of carbonation capability of fly-ash (FA) concrete at different initial curing regimes and exposure time through accelerated carbonation experiments were made. Firstly, 30% replacement ratio fly-ash concrete specimens were fabricated and cured in 20°C, 30°C and 40°C water for 3d, 7d, 14d and 28d respectively, and cured in a standard air environment (20±2°C, relative humidity ≥95% ) for 28d. As a comparison, ordinary Portland concrete (OPC) specimens were also made and cured in 30°C water for 7d, and standard curing for 28d. After the initial curing, all the specimens were taken out and placed indoor natural environment. When specimen age reach 30d, 60d and 120d, 2 weeks accelerated carbonation experiments were made and concrete carbonation depth were measured. In addition to this, hydration degrees of fly ash at different initial curing conditions were measured using the selective dissolve method. Results show that the initial curing conditions play an important role in the carbonation resistance of FA concrete. Initial water curing is beneficial to the development of carbonation resistance of FA and OPC concrete. Prolonging initial curing time and increasing curing temperature is beneficial for the carbonation resistance of FA concrete. For the same curing conditions, carbonation rate of FA concrete is usually higher than OPC concrete, but with the increase of initial curing temperature, the difference can be reduced.

Abstract: Environment climate conditions are important influencing factors on concrete carbonation rates. Influences of concrete internal microclimate conditions including internal temperature (T) and relative humidity (RH) and external climate conditions including wind speed and wind direction on concrete carbonation rates were studied through laboratory accelerated carbonation experiments. Models based on concrete internal microclimate conditions were established. Results indicate that internal T always present accelerating effects on concrete carbonation rates, while internal RH and pore water saturation degree (PS) show hindering effects on it. Wind direction and wind speed have certain effects on concrete carbonation rate, and the higher wind speed, the higher concrete carbonation rate is. For the same wind speed, carbonation rate is the highest for perpendicular direction.

Abstract: In order to study the influences of initial curing conditions on fly ash (FA) cement concrete durability, fly ash cement samples with 30% replacement ratio were fabricated and cured in water at 10°C, 20°C, 30°Cand 40°C for 3d, 7d, 14d and 28d respectively. Hydration degrees of fly ash at early age were measured using the selective dissolve method. Correspondingly the pore structure and morphology of FA-cement mortar and compared cement mortar were studied by using MIP and SEM methods. Then early age compressive strengths of FA-cement concrete and compared normal cement concrete were tested. Experimental results show that initial curing temperatures and ages are important factors to fly ash early age hydration degree, FA-cement system microstructure, morphology and early age compressive strength etc. High curing temperatures and longer curing time can lead higher fly ash hydration degree, and then higher compressive strength of FA-cement concrete, and make the micro-structures of fly ash-cement system denser.