Determining the tribological features of concrete and assessing the service life of architectural facilities

Abstract

The construction industry is increasingly striving to improve the tribological features of architectural structures to increase their service life. The focus lies on self-compacting concrete (SCC) as the most appropriate option to fulfil this task. However, there are still some problems related to its durability, particularly in terms of physical and chemical properties, which are crucial in preventing corrosion of the reinforcement. This study seeks to assess the durability of self-compacting concrete and С20/25 class concrete with similar compressive strength. The measurements taken during the study include the primary strength indicators (water porosity, chloride diffusion, and oxygen permeability) and additional properties necessary for a better understanding (mercury porosity, capillary water absorption, carbonation, and ammonium nitrate leaching). Mixes of SCC and conventional concrete contained the same raw materials in identical proportions. Test results revealed that the service life of these two concretes could be considered equivalent. Therefore, self-compacting concrete with specific compressive strength can be regarded as durable as shock concrete. The scientific novelty of the study lies in the measurement of durability properties and the service life of concrete structures taking the coefficient of friction on a steel plate for the purpose of comparing concretes with equivalent compressive strength.