Effect of Calcium Nitrite on the Properties of Concrete Used in Prestressed Piles and Beams

About the report:

This study evaluates the concretes in steam-cured prestressed piles and beams containing calcium nitrite as protection against chloride-induced corrosion of the steel strands and assesses their field performance over a 3-year period. Concretes containing slag were also included in the study to evaluate their permeability to chloride ions. It was found that concretes containing calcium nitrite (DCI) have satisfactory strengths and are expected to provide adequate resistance to cycles of freezing and thawing. The steam-cured slag concretes were found to have lower permeability than the similar Portland cement concretes. Since the addition of DCI does not have an appreciable adverse affect on the properties of steam-cured concretes and has the potential to provide long-term protection against corrosion, its use is recommended in prestressed concrete subjected to severe exposure. The limited time available for laboratory and field testing did not allow conclusions on the effectiveness of the corrosion inhibitor. Continuing evaluations are recommended.

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