EXPERIMENTAL METHODS IN DESIGN OF THE SERVICE LIFE OF CONCRETE CONSTRUCTIONS SUBMITTED TO THE FREEZE/THAW ATTACK. PART I. PRESENTATION AND ANALYSIS OF THE METHODS

The environmental actions can cause deteriorations of concrete having as consequence an intensified reduction of the elements/construction structures' performance. The design of the service life of certain structures is performed considering methods with different complexities which must consider a rigorous selection of materials as well as important execution, execution inspection, maintenance factors and status assessment during service life. No matter the complexity of the method used, the design process of the service life must be based on the results obtained from certain experimental researches, necessary for the assessment of the evolution of materials' characteristics, depending on different environmental conditions. The freeze/thaw attack with /and without de-icing agents represents one of the actions with frequent occurrence, causing important deteriorations of concrete. The paper presents an analysis of the main experimental methods related to the freeze/thaw action (Part 1) and the results of certain experimental researches performed by authors in order to determine the freeze/thaw resistance of concretes manufactured with different types of cement produced by CARPATCEMENT HOLDING S.A. - HEIDELBERGCEMENT GROUP which will be presented in art II.