ABSTRACT
Perhaps an appropriate way to begin this book is not to discuss what high-trength concrete is, but rather, what it is not. Having the word “strength” in its name undeniably suggests a bias towards one property only; however, high-strength concrete can be an advantageous material with respect to other properties, both mechanical and durability related. Nevertheless, it is crucially important to recognize that the achievement of high strength alone should never summarily serve as a surrogate to satisfying other important concrete properties. It would seem logical that strong concrete would be more durable, and in many respects, the lower permeability that comes along with higher strength often does improve concrete's resistance to certain durability-related distress, but unlike strength, the prerequisites for durability are not easily defined. In fact, depending on the manner in which higher-strength is achieved, the durability of high-strength concrete could actually diminish. For example, if cementing materials are not carefully chosen, higher-strength mixes could conceivably contain an objectionably high quantity of soluble alkalis that could promote cracking if aggregates that are potentially susceptible to alkali reactivity are used. Throughout this book, the reader will frequently encounter references stressing the importance of identifying all relevant properties when developing high-strength concrete. However, equally important is identifying properties that are not relevant that could impede the ability to achieve the truly important properties.
