The influence of ground granulated blast furnace slag on salt scaling resistance of concrete

Fifteen concrete mix designs of a water-to-binder ratio ranging from 0.30-0.38 were prepared and exposed to rapid freeze thaw resistance and deicer salt scaling resistance testing. The variables considered are the OPC content, GGBFS used as cement replacement content, OPC/GGBFS ratio, w/cm ratio, tested surface (formed versus finished), and sample preparation (laboratory specimen versus cored specimen). The presence of GGBFS used in concrete had no adverse effects on the freeze-thaw durability, the bulk properties, and sorptivity measurements, but was less resistant to surface scaling in comparison with OPC concrete. The significance of this research program is to investigate the influence of GGBFS on the bulk, mass transport and microstructural properties in relation to freeze thaw and deicer salt scaling durability. Based on the scaling durability and the measured properties, the influence of GGBFS as cement replacement on the service life of dry mix concrete structures can be predicted. © 2004 Taylor & Francis Group, London.