Chloride Corrosion of Paving Blocks
摘要
The increased content of chloride ions in concrete pavers is typically caused with the penetration of chlorides from the environment into the material. Rock salt and de-icing agents are commonly applied to maintain sidewalks and roads during winter conditions. Sodium chloride (NaCl) is most commonly used due to its low cost and effectiveness. However, this compound causes extensive damage to sidewalks and poses an environmental hazard. Chloride corrosion of concrete pavers is associated with cyclic phases of freezing and thawing. The occurring changes in the state of aggregation of water on the surface of the pavement and in its internal structure cause stresses within the material, which consequently causes damage to the internal and external structure of the pavement. The study aimed to analyze the splitting tensile strength and surface roughness of concrete pavers immersed in a 10% solution of NaCl with an anti-caking agent for a period of 210 days. The splitting tensile strength of samples exposed to an aggressive environment was reduced by 55% compared to the control sample, and digital imaging with measurement of roughness parameters made it possible to observe the progressive degradation of the sample surface as a result of the chloride corrosion process.