ABSTRACT
Experimental studies on the freeze / thaw durability of OPC and PFA concrete are described. The effects of strength, air content levels, water / cement ratio, and PFA quality on the freeze / thaw durability of concrete were investigated.
The results indicated that air content and strength of the concrete had significant effects on the freeze / thaw durability of concrete with and without PFA. Required air content limits for frost resistant concrete depend on the grade of the concrete specified. Power’s recommended upper limit of 0.25 mm for the spacing factor may be too restrictive. New recommended limits for the spacing factor are given in this paper.
PFA quality does not have a significant effect on the freeze / thaw durability of concrete, if the required air content and specified strength are achieved.
