ABSTRACT
The influence of the minimum temperature and the cooling rate on the scaling resistance of concrete was investigated. The tests were performed in accordance with Swedish standard SS 13 72 44, often called the Scandinavian Slab Method. Minimum temperatures between −15 and −24°C and cooling rates of 2 and 4°C/h were studied.
Two types of cements were used for producing the concrete: sulphur resistant Ordinary Portland Cement (CEM I 42.5 R) and Blast Furnace Slag Cement with high slag content (CEM IIIB 42.5). Six concrete qualities were tested, ranging from very poor to very good scaling resistance.
The test results indicate that scaling is slightly dependent on the minimum temperature, but the dependence seems to be more or less negligible when the following two conditions are fulfilled: the scaling exceeds 100–500 g/m2 and the minimum temperature is below about −18°C. The mean value of the coefficient of variation for the test results, under repeatable conditions, seems to be about 5–12%. The lower value is relevant when the scatter due to variations of the material properties is low. This was found to be the case for concrete produced with blast furnace slag cement as binder.
