DURABILITY OF CONCRETE MADE WITH SEAWATER RESISTANT CEMENT EXPOSED TO MARINE ENVIRONMENTS

Abstract

Key factors in the durability of concretes exposed to seawater are the hardened concrete density, the proportion and type of cement in the concrete and the chemical resistance to seawater of the cement. Such chemical resistance to seawater is achieved by means of seawater resistant cements. Therefore, the Spanish structural concrete code, EHE-08, states that it is compulsory to use them in concrete exposed to marine environment. In Spain, they are named with the letters MR, SRC or SR. The main characteristic of this type of cement is the low amount of tricalcium aluminate and tetra-calcium alumino-ferrite, which allow them to minimize the ettringite formation. This paper discusses the technical reasons that justify the use of this type of cements and it is underlined the significant role of the cement quality Marks with regard to the control of such parameters in seawater resistant cement. Keywords: Portland cement, sulphates, seawater, durability.