Chloride penetration in self compacting concrete by cyclic immersion

Durability and more specifically chloride penetration, is of major importance for reinforced concrete structures. As the conception of self compacting concrete (SCC) is totally different from traditional concrete (TC), some changes in durability behaviour might occur. In order to locate and prevent possible problems, the chloride penetration in SCC has to be investigated. An extended experimental programme was set up: the chloride penetration of 16 self compacting concrete mixtures and 4 traditional concrete mixtures was determined. The test is performed on cylindrical specimens with a diameter of 230mm and a height of 70mm. These specimens are alternately immersed in a solution containing chlorides and exposed to air. One cycle takes approximately I hour. After 6, 12, 18, 24, 30 and 36 weeks the specimens are broken and the penetration depth is determined. For the self compacting concrete, four types of cement and three types of filler (fly ash and two types of limestone filler with a different grading curve) are used and the influence of the amount of powder, water, the water/cement ratio and the cement/powder ratio is studied