Doubling the Life of Concrete Structures
Faculty Mentor Information
Dr. Batric Pesic
Abstract
An emerging issue of renewable nuclear energy is the correct storage of spent nuclear fuel. Current practice of long-term storage of radioactive waste, requires highly durable concrete containment units. The moisture transport phenomena (permeability) of concrete plays an important role in the durability of concrete by controlling problems such as thermal cracking, drying shrinkage, carbonation, and corrosion of reinforcement steel. This study will examine the effects of admixtures (nano-silica and glycerol) upon the permeability of concrete at different temperatures. Indirect (electrochemical) methods will be conducted on concrete to examine the effects of admixtures upon the permeability of concrete. Focusing on the transport properties of concrete, the most beneficial admixture for increasing the durability of concrete will be identified.
Doubling the Life of Concrete Structures
An emerging issue of renewable nuclear energy is the correct storage of spent nuclear fuel. Current practice of long-term storage of radioactive waste, requires highly durable concrete containment units. The moisture transport phenomena (permeability) of concrete plays an important role in the durability of concrete by controlling problems such as thermal cracking, drying shrinkage, carbonation, and corrosion of reinforcement steel. This study will examine the effects of admixtures (nano-silica and glycerol) upon the permeability of concrete at different temperatures. Indirect (electrochemical) methods will be conducted on concrete to examine the effects of admixtures upon the permeability of concrete. Focusing on the transport properties of concrete, the most beneficial admixture for increasing the durability of concrete will be identified.