PURPOSES : In this experimental study, the resistance of blended cement concrete containing air-cooled slag (AS) and water-cooled slag (WS) to freeze–thaw action was investigated. For comparison, the durable performance of ordinary Portland cement (OPC) concrete exposed to a similar damage environment was also evaluated.
METHODS : Based on the ASTM C 666 standard, the relative dynamic modulus of elasticity, mass ratio, surface electric resistivity, and compressive strength of blended cement concrete specimens were periodically measured and compared with those of OPC concrete to evaluate the durability of concrete exposed to the freezing-thawing environment. In addition, microstructural characteristics of deteriorated concrete parts were evaluated using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and energy dispersive spectroscopy techniques to detect products formed by freeze–thaw action.
RESULTS : It was found that the resistance of blended cement concrete containing AS and WS to freeze–thaw action was significantly better than that of OPC concrete. Furthermore, the SEM results revealed the frost damage of OPC concrete, owing to the formation of thaumasite. CONCLUSIONS : The application of AS in concrete can effectively improve the durability of concrete, particularly in freeze–thaw environments.