JANUARY 2016 V. 38 No.

Admixtures &
Cementitious
Materials

27 25th Annual Tilt-Up

Achievement Awards
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We help make your customers’ brilliant ideas concrete.
When the team building the third longest cable-stayed bridge in
the U.S. needed concrete mixes they could rely on, Holcim was there
with answers – for all 46,000 cubic yards of concrete used. 2,770 feet
in length, two 405 foot tall A-shaped towers with a concrete deck
and reinforced concrete piers that measure 400 ft. For the piers,
Holcim helped develop a mix for heat reduction and in the process
exceeded the 6000 psi strength requirement delivering up to 8000 psi
– without a single failure. And because the concrete gained strength
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Perfecting Progress™
Ci
JANUARY 2016 V. 38 No. 1
Concrete
international
The Magazine of the Concrete Community

ADMIXTURES & CEMENTITIOUS MATERIALS

33 Alkali-Activated Slag Cement Concrete

A closer look at a sustainable alternative to portland cement
by Robert J. Thomas, Hailong Ye, Aleksandra Radlińska,
and Sulapha Peethamparan

39 Evaluation of Shear and Diagonal Tension in Plain Concrete

Results are compared for modified Iosipescu, flexural, split cylinder,
and split prism tests
by Cristy Guenther Helmick, Saadet Toker-Beeson, and
Jennifer Eisenhauer Tanner

48 Effect of Low-Temperature Installation on Adhesive Anchors

Post-curing temperature rise is shown to improve creep behavior and
bond performance
by Werner Fuchs, Jan Hofmann, and Gerrit Hülder

ALSO FEATURING

27 25th Annual Tilt-Up Achievement Awards

28 72 Concrete Q&A
Concrete Cover for Unbonded Tendons

41

www.concreteinternational.com | Ci | JANUARY 2016 3

 January
Ci
Concrete international
PUBLISHER
John C. Glumb, CAE
([email protected])

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF
48

Rex C. Donahey, PE

departments
([email protected])

ENGINEERING EDITOR
W. Agata Pyc
([email protected])
7 President’s Memo
MANAGING EDITOR 9 News
Keith A. Tosolt
([email protected]) 14 Letters
EDITORIAL ASSISTANT 18 ACI Committee
Lacey J. Stachel Document Abstracts
([email protected])
20 On the Move
ADVERTISING 22 Calls for Papers
Meredith Schwartz
Network Media Partners, Inc. Workers erect a tilt-up concrete panel 47 What’s New, What’s Coming
([email protected]) for a building in the Zenith Ridge 57 Products & Practice
development in Canonsburg, PA. At
PUBLISHING SERVICES this stage, this and other panels are 60 Product Showcase
MANAGER faced with the liner sheets that were
Barry M. Bergin used to hold thin bricks in place and
62 Industry Focus
form ersatz mortar joints during casting. 63 Public Discussion
EDITORS The erected panels are braced outboard
Carl R. Bischof (Senior Editor), of the building, thus allowing subsequent 63 Spanish Translation Synopses
Tiesha Elam, Kaitlyn J. Hinman, unobstructed construction of the floors.
Kelli R. Slayden (Senior Editor) 64 Meetings
The project won an Excellence Award
in the 25th Annual Tilt-Up Achieve- 65 Bookshelf
GRAPHIC DESIGNERS
ment Awards. For more on this and
Gail L. Tatum (Senior Designer), 67 Chapter Reports
Susan K. Esper, Ryan M. Jay, other recognized projects, see the
Aimee M. Kahaian article on p. 27. (Photo courtesy 70 Membership Application
of Clayco and Tilt-Up Concrete
Association) 71 Bulletin Board
EDITORIAL ASSISTANT
Angela R. Matthews 71 Advertisers’ Index

Copyright © 2016 American Concrete Institute. Printed in the United States of America. All correspondence should be directed to the
headquarters office: 38800 Country Club Drive, Farmington Hills, MI 48331. Telephone: +1.248.848.3700. Facsimile (FAX): +1.248.848.3701.
Concrete International (US ISSN 0162-4075) is published monthly by the American Concrete Institute, 38800 Country Club Drive,
Farmington Hills, MI 48331. Periodicals postage paid at Farmington, MI, and at additional mailing offices. Concrete
International has title registration ® with the U.S. Patent Trademark Office. Subscription rates: $166 per year (U.S. and
possessions); $175 (elsewhere) payable in advance: single copy price is $27.00 for nonmembers, $20.00 for ACI members,
both prepaid. POSTMASTER: send address changes to Concrete International, 38800 Country Club Drive, Farmington Hills, MI
48331. The Institute is not responsible for the statements or opinions expressed in its publications. Institute publications are not
able to, nor intended to supplant individual training, responsibility, or judgment of the user, or the supplier, of the information
presented. Permission is granted by the American Concrete Institute for libraries and other users registered with the Copyright
Clearance Center (CCC) to photocopy any article herein for the fee of $3.00 per transaction. Payments marked ISSN 0162-4075/97
AMERICAN CONCRETE INSTITUTE should be sent directly to the Copyright Clearance Center, 21 Congress St., Salem, MA. 01970. Copying done for other than personal
or internal reference use without the express permission of the American Concrete Institute is prohib­ited. Requests for special
http://www.concrete.org permission or bulk copying should be addressed to the Publisher, Concrete International, American Concrete Institute. Canadian
GST #126213149RT
Tel. +1.248.848.3700
Fax. +1.248.848.3150

4 JANUARY 2016 | Ci | www.concreteinternational.com

 American Concrete Institute
Ci
Board of Direction
IN President Directors
Sharon L. Wood Dean A. Browning Cary S. Kopczynski
JoAnn P. Browning Kevin A. MacDonald
Purposeful Evaluations Past President
Cesar A. Constantino Fred Meyer
Board Members Michael M. Sprinkel
Alejandro Durán-Herrera

A
James K. Wight
s I write this, the 21st Anne M. Ellis Augusto H. Holmberg Roberto Stark
William E. Rushing Jr. Kimberly Kayler David M. Suchorski
Conference of the Parties to the
United Nations Framework
Convention on Climate Change
(COP21/CMP11) is wrapping up in Vice Presidents Executive Vice President
Michael J. Schneider Khaled W. Awad Ronald Burg
Paris. Regardless of the final outcome,
the concrete industry can expect a new
international agreement that will lead to Technical Activities Educational Activities Certification Programs
increased interest in alternative binders. Committee Committee Committee
Clearly, there will be no single solution, chair chair chair

and any solution will need to satisfy Trey Hamilton III Frances T. Griffith George R. Wargo
diverse demands for physical properties, secretary staff liaison staff liaison
constructibility, and long-term durability. Matthew R. Senecal Kathryn A. Amelio John W. Nehasil
One alternative is discussed in this Michael C. Brown Cesar A. Constantino Khaled W. Awad
month’s CI (see p. 33). JoAnn P. Browning Alejandro Durán-Herrera Roger J. Becker
Most readers of CI undoubtedly think Catherine E. French Joe Hug William Ciggelakis
Fred R. Goodwin Antonio Nanni Alejandro Durán-Herrera
of concrete when they see the words Larry Kahn Ronald L. O’Kane J. Mitchell Englestead
“curing temperature.” But ACI Neven Krstulovic-Opara William D. Palmer Jr. Brian Green
documents also address curing Kimberly E. Kurtis Lawrence L. Sutter Augusto H. Holmberg
temperature in the context of adhesive Tracy D. Marcotte Lawrence H. Taber Joe Hug
Jan Olek Scott Tarr Warren E. McPherson Jr.
anchors. Based on recent studies (see Michael S. Stenko Ronald Vaughn Thomas L. Rozsits
p. 48), the effects of low temperature and Andrew W. Taylor David W. Whitmore Xiomara Sapon
temperature change are sufficiently Eldon G. Tipping Michael M. Sprinkel
Pericles C. Stivaros
considered in standards published by David M. Suchorski
ACI and related industry organizations. Janet White
On paving or tilt-up projects, it’s not
uncommon to see beam test specimens
for determination of flexural strength ACI Staff & Departments
(modulus of rupture) of the concrete Executive Vice President: Ronald Burg ([email protected])
mixtures. While a flexural test does Senior Managing Director: John C. Glumb ([email protected])
provide an indication of the tensile
capacity of a mixture, it is not the only ACI Foundation: Human Resources:
[email protected] [email protected]
method for such an evaluation. Others
include the split cylinder test, the split Certification: Information Systems:
[email protected] [email protected]
prism test, and the Iosipescu test methods
Chapter Activities: Marketing and Business Development:
(see p. 39). After review of the data, I [email protected] [email protected]
have to wonder if simple calibrations
Engineering: Member/Customer Services:
would provide, for all practical purposes, [email protected] [email protected]
equivalence—allowing substitution
Event Services: Professional Development:
based on convenience, cost, and/or [email protected] [email protected]
material savings.
Finance and Administration: Publishing Services:
Rex C. Donahey [email protected] [email protected]

Sustaining Members
See pages 16-17 for a list of ACI’s Sustaining Members.
To learn more about our sustaining members, go to the ACI website at
www.concrete.org/membership/sustainingmembers.aspx.

www.concreteinternational.com | Ci | JANUARY 2016 5

President's
Memo
Ideas Matter

T
he Educational Activities The first two Certificate programs
Committee (EAC) has launched through ACI University were
been on a 2-year Concrete Fundamentals and Anchorage
whirlwind of activity. The Design. Two new Certificate programs,
introduction of ACI University Concrete Repair and Concrete
and the new Certificate program Construction Basics, will soon be
has been a major undertaking. provided, and three more programs are
The awards that EAC bestows expected to be introduced in the near
have been revised. These future. Universities have expressed
activities could only be interest in the Concrete Fundamentals
accomplished with the ideas, Certificate program as a way for
contributions, and dedication of professors to provide quality
both members and staff. information to their students, while also
Guest author Frances Griffith, Hopefully by now, everyone introducing them to ACI and what it has to offer. A Certificate
FACI
has had an opportunity to take a program app under development will ensure the mobility of
look at ACI University and experience some of its educational this new program. For more information, please visit
products. The idea to totally revamp ACI education was www.concrete.org.
inspired by the recent strategic planning update process. After EAC recently established a new educational award—the
approval by the Board, there was a solid group effort by EAC ACI Education Award—which combines the two former
to launch ACI University at the 2015 World of Concrete. It awards of the committee. The EAC Committee Member of the
has been exciting to see the way confidence in an idea and Year and EAC Speaker of the Year have been awarded by
hard work can bring remarkable results in such a short time. EAC since 1992 and 2000, respectively. The idea behind the
The educational material contained within ACI University new award is to broaden the criteria so that anyone who
represents a knowledge bank of our concrete community. contributes to the advancement of ACI education or
There is an overwhelming amount of expertise among the educational support activities can be recognized. Recipients of
ACI membership and EAC works very hard to capture this the ACI Education Award will be recognized along with all of
information and share it with those who are interested. There the other personal awards on the ACI website. This will give
are two ways to access ACI University: through the Education greater recognition to all the excellent educational work that is
link on the ACI website or by downloading the app. The app happening. Further details of this new award can be found on
makes concrete information mobile and available anywhere the ACI website on the personal awards page.
and at any time. Many new ideas are in the works to bring the best and most
The new Certificate program available through ACI current education to concrete professionals. In addition, there
University was envisioned as a way to encourage concrete is also an effort to inspire ACI members to continue
professionals to take a course of study that provides a more contributing to these endeavors. I encourage everyone to visit
in-depth look at a particular concrete or concrete-related topic. an educational committee meeting the next time you attend
To earn a certificate, a participant must complete a number of The Concrete Convention and Exposition. Your participation
required courses about the particular concrete topic. With the in ACI educational programs can help turn great ideas into reality.
new learning management system put in place by ACI, a
student’s progress through a Certificate program will be Frances Griffith is the Associate Director of the Center for
accurately tracked. Once the course of study has been Training Transportation Professionals, University of
completed, a certificate acknowledging completion is awarded. Arkansas, Fayetteville, AR

www.concreteinternational.com | Ci | JANUARY 2016 7

 Get
Certified
Since 1980, ACI has tested over
400,000 concrete technicians,
inspectors, supervisors, and
craftsmen in 20 different
certification programs.

When you have a need for

qualified concrete professionals—
specify ACI Certification.

Visit www.ACI Certification.org for:

Descriptions of ACI Certification Programs —
Includes program requirements and reference/
resource materials.
Schedule of Upcoming/Testing Sessions —
Search by program and/or state.
Directory of Certified Individuals — Confirm an
individual’s certification and date of expiration.

CCRL LAB TOUR

The Cement and Concrete Reference Laboratory offers performance examinations for Upcoming tour locations are:
the ACI Concrete Strength Testing Technician and ACI Aggregate Testing Technician –
January 2016 February 2016
Level 1 certification programs.
Eastern Canada Central California
Southern California Eastern Canada
New Hampshire
New York City
To schedule your lab for CCRL inspection, and to Southern California
arrange for performance testing, contact
Jan Prowell at +1.240.436.4800.
News
New ACI Certification
Sponsoring Group in Iraq
Five engineering professors from the
Building and Construction Engineering
Department, University of Technology
– Baghdad, visited ACI headquarters in
Farmington Hills, MI, to participate in
the Concrete Field Testing Technician
– Grade I and Concrete Construction
Special Inspector programs.
Professors Sarmad Shafeeq
AbdulQader, Tareq Salih Hadi Al-Attar,
Waleed Abdulrazzaq Abbas Al-Qaisi,
Qais Jawad Frayyeh, and Maan Salman
Hassan are also members of the Iraq
Chapter – ACI. They traveled over
8000 miles (13,000 km) to participate in Professors from the University of Technology – Baghdad traveled to ACI headquarters for
ACI’s “Train-the-Administrator” program certification courses; from left: Maan Salman Hassan, Waleed Abdulrazzaq Abbas Al-Qaisi,
on October 26-30, 2015. The group went Tareq Salih Hadi Al-Attar, Sarmad Shafeeq AbdulQader, and Qais Jawad Frayyeh
through a 1-day review and hands-on
session for the Concrete Field Testing
Technician program, followed by a written
and practical exam on the second day.

Reinforced concrete
They then participated in a 2-day class-
room review for the Concrete Construction
Special Inspector program followed by a

continuing education and

written exam on the third day.
In certifying these representatives,
ACI is providing support to the University

solutions at www.crsi.org
of Technology in the development of
Iraq’s industrial/construction work force.
This in turn positions the university and
its engineering graduates to work with
the Iraq Chapter – ACI by providing
follow up certification programs based
on international standards.
The objective of the “Train-the-
Administrator” initiative is to assist
ACI’s International Sponsoring Groups
in bringing industry relevant certification
programs to their concrete construction
community. This effort will increase the
number of functioning groups that provide
ACI Certification programs, thereby
increasing the number of certified
individuals able to produce high-quality
work in the concrete industry. The
Use promo code BAR-2015 and save 15% off any
“Train-the-Administrator” program publication in the CRSI webstore at www.crsi.org.
reflects ACI’s strategic plan objectives to
establish and expand strong and productive

www.concreteinternational.com | Ci | JANUARY 2016 9

News

relationships with external organizations and individuals.

“The ACI Iraq Chapter Orientation Program was a great
success,” said John Conn, ACI Director of Chapter Activities.
“The program aligns with ACI’s objective to seek opportunities
to advance national and global outreach, and positively impact
the global community through mutually beneficial alliances.”
For more information on the Iraq Chapter – ACI, visit
www.aci-iraq.com.

Memorandum of Cooperation Signed by fib

and ACI
On November 8, 2015, a memorandum of cooperation was Signing the memorandum of cooperation, from left: William E. Rushing,
signed by Harald S. Müller, fib President; Sharon L. Wood, ACI Past President; Ronald G. Burg, ACI Executive Vice President;
Harald S. Müller, fib President; and Sharon L. Wood, ACI President
ACI President; William E. Rushing, ACI Past President; and
Ronald G. Burg, ACI Executive Vice President. The
Fédération internationale du béton (fib)/International continual improvement, sharing of information, green
Federation for Structural Concrete advances the technical, chemistry, and green engineering;
economic, aesthetic, and environmental performances of •• Implement an ISO 14001-type environmental management
concrete structures worldwide. system, with added elements addressing major human
ACI and the fib have cooperated on projects for many years, health and safety impacts of their operations; and
with the 2014 ACI-fib workshop on fiber-reinforced concrete in •• Ensure that direct suppliers of hazardous ingredients have
Montreal, QC, Canada, is a recent example of this collaboration. corresponding environmental, health, and safety
The proceedings of the workshop will be published in the near management systems.
future as an fib Bulletin as well as an ACI publication. “The process helps manufacturers distinguish their
The memorandum of cooperation, signed during The ACI products by embedding health and safety-based programs
Concrete Convention and Exposition in Denver, CO, seals the within the fabric of their management and operations,” said
commitment of both associations to develop and disseminate USGBC Chief Product Officer Scot Horst.
knowledge about concrete globally. During the Materials and Human Health Summit, Lionel
Lemay, FACI, National Ready Mixed Concrete Association
Highlights from Greenbuild 2015 (NRMCA), presented on the association’s Green Star
The Greenbuild International Conference & Expo, program, 2030 goals, and development of Product Category
sponsored by the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC), Rules (PCR) for ready mixed concrete. He updated the
was held November 17-19, 2015, in Washington, DC. While assembly on the recent development of an industry-wide
the theme of this year’s conference was “Monumental Green,” Environmental Product Declaration (EPD) for ready mixed
much of the programming revolved around climate change, concrete—scheduled for update in 2016—that includes over
social change, human health, business innovation, environ- 2000 product specific EPDs by NRMCA member companies.
mental inspiration, and LEED (Leadership in Energy and Inclusion of materials with EPDs on projects seeking LEED
Environmental Design). certification provides the potential to earn additional LEED
For the third consecutive year, USGBC hosted a Materials points in Version 4 of the rating system. Lemay discussed the
and Human Health Summit prior to the official opening of importance of responsible sourcing in the concrete industry,
Greenbuild. Sponsored by BASF, the purpose of the Summit along with NRMCA’s work to develop a guide to material
was to discuss the progress made toward better building ingredient disclosure for concrete. He ended with a call for
products and assess how materials effect society, human designers to specify EPDs and engage in conversations with
health, and the environment. In addition to discussions on concrete suppliers early in the design process.
supply chain optimization, presenters outlined the three During Greenbuild, it was announced that three LEED
minimum steps to supplement the Materials & Resources pilot credits for resilient design were approved by the LEED
credit (Building Disclosure and Optimization–Material Steering Committee. The pilot credits, which each are
Ingredients, option 3) for LEED v4 certification. classified into the Integrative Process category of LEED, are
The steps are: applicable to all Building Design and Construction (BD+C),
•• Publicize guiding principles that include commitments to Homes, and Mid-Rise Residential rating systems. The pilot

10 JANUARY 2016 | Ci | www.concreteinternational.com

 News

credits are designed to ensure that a industry professionals gathered for 3 days industry and educational topics.
design team is aware of project of educational events and networking. Speakers included Ken Hover,
vulnerabilities and addresses the most Industry experts and leaders Jen Crisman, Colin Lobo, and
significant risks in the project design: presented seminars on important Crystal Washington.
•• Credit IPpc98, Assessment and
Planning for Resilience, awards one
LEED point to designers, planners,
and building owners or operators
who assess and then plan for a wide
range of natural disasters or
disturbances, as well as consider
longer-term trends affecting building
performance such as changing
climate conditions;
•• Credit IPpc99, Design for Enhanced
Resilience, provides one additional
LEED point to projects that
implement specific mitigation
measures for the identified hazards,
on top of all hazard identified in
Credit IPpc98; and
•• Credit IPpc100, Passive Survivability
and Functionality, awards one LEED
point to projects that ensure buildings
maintain reasonable functionality and
access to potable water in the event
of an extended power outage or loss
of heating fuel.
Mahesh Ramanujam, USGBC Chief
Operating Officer (and incoming Chief
Executive Officer), and Scot Horst
provided details of future offerings for
USGBC and its Green Business
Certification, Inc., while USGBC
President Roger Platt presided at the
closing plenary session with his
reflections on the importance of
mentorship and community resilience.
More information is available at
www.usgbc.org and by searching
#Greenbuild on social media.

ASCC Holds 14th Annual

Conference
The American Society of Concrete
Contractors (ASCC) held its 14th
Annual Conference September 24-27,
2015, at the Hyatt Regency–Dallas,
ISO 9001
Dallas, TX. Concrete contractors,
manufacturers, designers, and other

www.concreteinternational.com | Ci | JANUARY 2016 11

News

Seminar topics included a “Mock ACI Technical requirement, describes adverse implications of the
Committee Meeting,” “The Silicate Debate,” “Profiling for requirement, suggests alternative performance criteria, and
Filling Management Positions,” and “Building and Protecting illuminates the benefits of using performance-based
Your Online Reputation.” alternatives in place of prescriptive requirements. The first
Four workshops covered “Safety Leadership Training,” five SIPs were published in the August, 2015 issue of
“Sales,” “Improving the Contractor/Producer Relationship,” Concrete International.
and “Landing a Solid Workforce.” A Hot Topic Panel of fiber Register for this AIA-approved webinar at www.nrmca.org/
manufacturers, facilitated by Mario Garza, Barton Malow, Education/Online_Learning/Webinars/performance_
answered many questions about the products and performance. based_specs.htm.
In addition to seminars and education, the ACI flatwork
finisher certification was offered. Role Models Needed
The next ASCC annual conference will be held September Girl Day, on February 25, 2016, is an initiative to show
15-18, 2016, in Minneapolis, MN. For more information, visit girls how creative engineering is and how engineers are
www.ascconline.org. changing the world. During Engineers Week—February 21-27,
2016—engineers and engineering students are encouraged to
U.S. House Passes Multi-Year Highway Bill become role models. Get started by signing up as a Girl Day
The Portland Cement Association (PCA) applauds the U.S. role model. Online resources provide training to organize and
House of Representatives for passage of the Surface lead activities, using a planning guide with effective messages.
Transportation Reauthorization & Reform Act (STRRA), a For more information, visit www.discovere.org/girlday
multi-year federal highway bill. and #GirlDay2016.
With passage of this bill Congress moves one step closer to
completing work on vital infrastructure legislation that will CRSI Announces New Board Members
help spur economic growth across the United States. The The Concrete Reinforcing Steel Institute (CRSI) appointed
bipartisan measure sets federal surface transportation policy James L. (Pete) Diggs as Chairman of the Board along with
for a 6-year period, including critical reforms that will make four new officers for the next 2 years of operations.
our nation’s highways more modern and efficient, and “I look forward to assuming stewardship of CRSI along
authorizes approximately $40 billion annually for the with my fellow Board members,” Diggs said. “All of the work
Federal-Aid Highway Program. done by the staff and member companies solidifies the
“As the backbone of the U.S. economy, infrastructure Institute as a respected resource in the concrete industry. We
should always be a top priority for our federal government,” intend to continue to promote new initiatives while enhancing
said James G. Toscas, President and CEO of PCA. “Thanks go our relationships with peer organizations.”
to House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee Diggs serves as Vice President of Reinforcing Steel for
Chairman Bill Shuster and Ranking Member Peter DeFazio Gerdau Long Steel North America. He has 30 years of
for recognizing this, and for their bipartisan leadership in industry experience, including more than 25 years with Gerdau.
passing this bill.” In addition, new officers on CRSI’s Board include Brad
More information on PCA is available at www.cement.org. Cotrell, Commercial Metals Company, as Secretary/Treasurer;
with David Rosene, Gerdau; Chris Stowers, Commercial
Webinar on Performance-Based Specifications Metals Company; and Kevin VanDeven, Nucor Corporation,
A free webinar from NRMCA on “Performance-Based as At-Large Directors.
Specifications—State of the Industry and Way Forward” is The Executive Committee of CRSI also appointed David
scheduled for January 27, 2016, 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. ET. McDonald, FACI, as the 11th President and Chief Executive
The webinar will discuss efforts in encouraging the Officer of the Institute. McDonald will oversee daily
adoption of performance-based specifications for ready mixed operations as well as direct the future progress of the Institute
concrete—the obstacles faced and the resources developed to as he has done as interim President. Previously, McDonald
address them. A review of the state of prescription in a was Managing Director of the Epoxy Interest Group of CRSI
sampling of project specifications will be discussed. The more where his responsibilities included steering technical and
significant items that deviate from industry standards were marketing efforts.
developed as informational Specification in Practice (SIP) The full Board of Directors was approved at the Business
topics. Each SIP identifies the commonly found prescriptive Meeting held during CRSI’s Fall Business and Technical
requirement, discusses the real or perceived basis for the Meeting on November 4, 2015, in Chicago, IL.

12 JANUARY 2016 | Ci | www.concreteinternational.com

Second Orinoco River Bridge
Ciudad Guayana, Venezuela
Letters
Distinguishing “Performance” and “Prescriptive” ground installations has proven that a well-blended
As discussed in the August 2015 issue (“Prescriptive prescriptive mixture with three coarse aggregates (including
Specifications,” pp. 29-31), the thrust of the National Ready a 1.5 in. [38 mm] top and two intermediate sizes) and the
Mixed Concrete Association (NRMCA) P2P initiative is resulting optimum paste content (lowest water and cement
ostensibly the formulation of a universal performance-based, fractions consistent with desired finishability), managed in the
strength-driven mixture design specification for plain and field, provides the impetus for incorporating drying shrinkage
reinforced concrete, destined to reside in the ACI 318 reduction as a fundamental principle in the evolution of all
Building Code. For this discussion, prescriptive specifications concrete mixtures. This approach assures quality levels of
are representative of concrete mixtures designed to also meet consistency, uniformity in strength, durability, and
lowest attainable drying shrinkage characteristics using local serviceability previously unattainable with traditional
materials. This conviction is rooted in historical perspective, strength-driven generic performance mixtures.
distinguishing the terms performance and prescriptive. Asserting that the manufacture of concrete in a ready mixed
The ready mixed concrete industry, born in the early production plant is within the aegis of construction methods
1930s, was organized to deliver a plant-batched product to and means is unsupportable. Likewise, the implied threat of
construction sites in transit-mixer trucks. NRMCA was burdensome risk borne exclusively by the concrete producer is
founded during the same time period. false and misleading. These misconceptions, widely held in
In the ensuing years, concrete mixtures formulated by the industry, imply that an industrial concrete floor, unlike a
the producers have been, and remain, predominantly sophisticated suspended structure, is outside the realm of
performance-based on the quality marker of compressive structural design. This is tantamount to contemplating a
strength substantiated by 30 consecutive prior laboratory test steel-framed structure designed at the steel mill. Structural
results, inflated with a gratuitous safety factor. These “shelf” steel is eminently more reliably consistent in manufacture and
mixtures, cataloged in compressive strength intervals of 500 psi behavior predictability than conventionally mixed concrete.
(3.5 MPa), are basically comprised of two aggregates: a 3/4 or However, attainment of drying shrinkage, comprehensively
1 in. (19 or 25 mm) nominal top size stone and sand, typically detailed in ACI 302.1R-04 and ACI 302.1R-15, “Guide to
gap-graded, over-cemented and drenched in mixing water. Concrete Floor and Slab Construction,” provides impetus for
Ironically, compressive strength is rarely an influential superior product optimization and consistency. Concrete
criterion in the design of conventionally reinforced and plain producers need only focus on responsibility for the quality of
concrete structures, roadways, and industrial floors that the products manufactured in-house. An expertly prepared,
consume more than a quarter billion cubic yards of this properly implemented prescriptive specification is, by
construction material each year in the United States. definition, a design document clearly delineating the
NRMCA has historically favored, and is poised to perpetuate, assignment of contractual responsibilities. Canadian building
a universal performance-based concrete mixture specification, authorities, strongly favoring the performance-based, strength-
capitalizing on expertise of the project concrete producer and driven design approach, nevertheless offer a code mandate
contractors, thereby dispensing with “prescriptive restrictive allowing the prescriptive formula, provided the project
constraints” (identified as certain, often jurisdictionally designer bears responsibility for the specification. Producers
imposed rules, such as minimizing cementitious and pozzolanic of generic concrete mixtures have little or no control over
content and maximizing water-cement ratio [w/c]), under the their product once the mixer truck leaves the site and, during
guise of “construction methods and means,” warning that the the service life of a structure, save warnings and cautions
prescriptive specification often imposes a burden of undue printed on the reverse side of the delivery ticket.
risk and responsibility upon the concrete supplier and project Obviously, reliable means are at hand to produce concrete
contractors. There are no restrictive clauses in the prescriptive products consistent with the highest attainable optimization of
low-shrinkage specification and exposure conditions and concrete mixtures. This effort, often considered inconvenient
durability considerations are not overlooked. and cost elevating is, in fact, easy to implement through
In 2001, NRMCA invited me to present a seminar in efforts of the project design professional and flatwork subcon-
St. Louis, MO, on the subject of a high-performance slab-on- tractor in cooperation with the quality control manager at the
ground installation in Dallas/Fort Worth, TX. Joined by batching facility. Not only are costs reduced, but there is also
representatives of the project concrete producer and flatwork an environmentally friendly benefit because it significantly
subcontractor, we demonstrated the merits of the prescriptive curtails cement content. It certainly trumps other costly
low-shrinkage specification. My considerable experience over strategies, including, but not limited to, use of a chemical
the past two decades with high-performance concrete slab-on- admixture to reduce shrinkage, governed by predictions derived

14 JANUARY 2016 | Ci | www.concreteinternational.com

 Letters

from tests performed under controlled laboratory conditions. it appears, might be in the originating MasterSpec documents
The quest for an all-encompassing performance used by design professionals to develop their office master
specification, a worthy cause, is a complex undertaking specifications. The originating documents are clearly not
considering the myriad conditions of use, exposure, and consistent with ACI standards and this disconnect needs to
geography encountered in more than 5000 ready mixed plants be addressed.
throughout the country, both dry batch and central mix The gist of Finkel’s comments are related to prescriptive
facilities, large and small. Design of a formidable concrete provisions for concrete used for industrial or retail floor slabs,
mixture is, in fact, a team effort. It cannot be relegated to a and primarily on optimizing the grading of aggregates with
single entity. Incorporating a lowest attainable shrinkage the goal of attaining low shrinkage. Wouldn’t it be more
quality marker in pursuit of optimized concrete mixtures, a appropriate to specify an achievable shrinkage requirement?
first step toward universality, serves the best interests of The concrete producer can thereby optimize the mixture as
NRMCA and the concrete industry at large. appropriate to meet this shrinkage limit. Optimizing aggregate
Ed Finkel, Watchung, NJ grading is an option to this process.
Finkel’s participation in the NRMCA conference with the
Authors’ response contractor and the concrete producer validated that success is
Ed Finkel is thanked for his comments on “Prescriptive assured when there is cooperation between stakeholders on a
Specifications” by Obla and Lobo. project. However, in practice, the ability to comply with these
First, as a trade association, NRMCA’s primary goal is to criteria with locally available materials is often difficult. Even if
advocate for the interests of its members, the ready mixed the prescriptive limits are complied with, the intended reduced
concrete industry. However, NRMCA has never promulgated shrinkage characteristics may not be achieved. Specifying the
a singular focus that negatively impacts other stakeholders in performance requirement assures that it is achieved. Other
the concrete industry. It is recognized that this can only impact factors impact the ability to achieve reduced shrinkage, in
the market share of concrete construction to the detriment of which case, the designer should consider other options for joint
the industry at large. spacing and impact on curling. This is further discussed with
Secondly, Finkel suggests that the P2P initiative is focused additional references in “Specification in Practice No. 5.”
on concrete strength. If one peruses the broader goals and The reality is that concrete producers are the most familiar
documents on the NRMCA website at www.nrmca.org/p2p, with the materials being used and the ability to optimize
and those of ACI Committee 329, Performance Criteria for them for different performance requirements. It should be
Ready Mixed Concrete, this is incorrect. The intent is to recognized that materials, production methods, and quality
develop performance-based requirements for different aspects control processes vary by location. For this reason,
of concrete performance needed in different applications and prescriptive specifications cannot be optimal to achieve the
to discount the implication that some prescribed parameter of intended performance. If concrete producers are not assigned
the concrete mixture will achieve the intended performance. responsibility for the resulting performance from a
This implied performance is not enforceable if criteria are not prescriptive specification, this will not be an issue.
defined and the concrete producer, more often than not, is Finally, right or wrong, the industry relies on concrete
assigned responsibility when it is not achieved. To define the strength testing for jobsite acceptance. Strength testing is the
label, performance is some property that is measured by a most reliable field test for hardened concrete as an indicator
standard test method with associated acceptance criteria and test to validate that approved mixtures are being furnished.
with no restrictions on the composition of or materials used in Most performance tests for shrinkage and durability are
the mixture. It is further recognized that we lack reliable tests laboratory tests and are not conducive to jobsite testing.
to predict some required properties, especially for fresh However, these prequalification tests document that the
concrete and some aspects of durability. We rely on indicator proposed concrete mixture meets the specified performance
tests or, lacking such, prescriptive parameters. requirement—more so than the prescriptive provisions used in
The purpose of the article was to demonstrate that specifications in practice today. With a performance
prescriptive requirements on concrete mixtures prevail in specification, the requirement and the responsibility of the
most specifications used in practice. The top five prescriptive producer are clear. It thereby incentivizes them to better
elements that constrain the concrete producer were addressed understand their materials and optimize concrete mixtures to
in the “Specification in Practice” topics published in the same achieve the specified requirements.
issue of Concrete International. These requirements are not Karthik H. Obla and Colin L. Lobo, NRMCA, Silver
consistent with the ACI 318 and ACI 301 standards. The fault, Springs, MD

www.concreteinternational.com | Ci | JANUARY 2016 15

 are the foundation of our success.
To provide additional exposure to ACI Sustaining Members, Concrete
International includes a 1/3-page member profile and a listing of all Sustaining
Member organizations. All Sustaining Members receive the 1/3-page profile
section on a rotating basis.
A spin-off company of MBLC
(general contracting company estab-
ACS Manufacturing Corporation Kleinfelder
lished in 1931), BCS emerged as the
Advanced Construction Technology Kryton International Inc. prominent ready mixed concrete
Services supplier in western Saudi Arabia,
Lafarge North America
providing concrete solutions to its
American Society of Concrete Lithko Contracting, Inc. diverse customers with annual produc-
Contractors tion exceeding 1.5 million m3 of
Mapei
concrete through five batch plants. Up
Ash Grove Cement Company Mason Construction, Ltd. to 100 MPa HPC and SCC is produced
Ashford Formula in extreme hot weather and used in
Meadow Burke
high-profile projects.
Baker Concrete Construction, Inc. W. R. Meadows, Inc. BCS is the sole supplier of concrete
Barrier-1 Inc. to Abraj Al Bait project (1.6 million m3);
Metromont Corporation
the tallest and largest hotel, and largest
BASF Corporation MTL building with largest floor area in the
Bauman Landscape & Construction world (1.5 million m2 of floor-space).
Multiquip Inc.
BCS is also involved in other presti-
BCS Municipal Testing gious projects including the Kingdom
Braun Intertec Corporation Tower (tallest building in the world
North S.Tarr Concrete Consulting PC
upon completion), King-Abdul Aziz
Buzzi Unicem USA Oztec Industries, Inc. Airport project, Aljamarat Bridge
Cantera Concrete Company (1.2 million m3), etc.
Pacific Structures
BCS recently launched a new
CHRYSO, Inc. Penetron International Ltd. technical unit to serve the concrete
Concrete Reinforcing Steel Institute industry owing to its vast experience
Portland Cement Association
with local materials in the KSA.
Construction Forms, Inc. Precast/Prestressed Concrete Institute Through continual professional
CTLGroup development of human resources,
S. K. Ghosh Associates, Inc.
upgrading of technical capabilities,
Dayton Superior Saudi Building Code National and adoption of sustainable practices,
Ductilcrete Slab Systems, LLC Committee BCS is striving to remain on the
cutting edge of concrete technology in
The Euclid Chemical Co. Sika Corp. the region.
Fibercon International, Inc. STRUCTURAL
To learn more about BCS, please
Future Tech Consultants Structural Services, Inc. visit their website at www.bcs.com.sa
W.R. Grace & Co. Tekna Chem or call +966 2.699.3060.

Headwaters Resources, Inc. Triad Engineering, Inc.

Holcim (US) Inc. TWC Concrete Services
Keystone Structural Concrete, LLC Wacker Neuson

To learn more about our sustaining members, visit our website at www.concrete.org/sustainingmembers
 Operating coast to coast, Headwaters Keystone Structural Concrete, LLC Since its founding in 1916, the
Resources is the nation’s leading is a full-service turnkey concrete Portland Cement Association (PCA)
marketer of coal combustion products. construction company with proven has had the same mission: “Improve
These products, principally fly ash and expertise in the construction of all and expand the uses of portland
bottom ash, are marketed for numerous types of commercial, industrial and cement and concrete.”
applications in the building products institutional facilities. Keystone’s Where cement and concrete are
industries. Headwaters specializes in specialty is formed elevated structures concerned, so is the Portland Cement
serving ready mixed concrete producers, including flat slabs, pan slabs, and slab Association: in cement manufacturing,
structural fill contractors, and a variety and beam structures for multi-story in raising the quality of concrete
of building products manufacturers. buildings as well as other large formed construction, in improving its product
Headwaters Resources has invested concrete structures. They are part of and its uses, in contributing to a better
heavily in terminals and transportation the Stewart Builders, Inc. family of environment. In practice, this mandate
equipment to provide reliable service companies, that includes an affiliate means well-rounded programs of market
to fly ash purchasers. Headwaters has Keystone Concrete Placement that development, education, research,
also developed an array of innovative specializes in turnkey flatwork technical services, and government
products that use high volumes of fly concrete including slabs on grade, tilt affairs on behalf of PCA members—
ash, including aerated concrete and a wall panels, high-quality warehouse cement companies in the U.S.
complete line of mortars, stuccos, blocks, floors, and concrete paving. From a Concrete’s versatility and use in
bricks, and pavers. beginning with 15 employees in 1992 many green building applications
the Keystone group of companies has makes it an excellent material for
To learn more about Headwaters grown consistently over the last 2+ sustainable designs. As part of its
Resources, please visit their website at decades to their current size, employing ongoing commitment to sustainability,
www.flyash.com or call +1.801.984.9400. over 1,500 of the finest management PCA sponsored the Sustainable
and field personnel in the concrete Leadership Awards, which honor
industry. government leaders who advance
Keystone’s primary geographical sustainable development in their
focus is the Houston, Austin, and communities through the use of
San Antonio markets in Texas, where concrete. It continues sponsorship of
they perform all types of turnkey its Environment & Energy Awards that
concrete construction. Their focus is to recognize manufacturing facilities that
provide clients with a service that is exemplify the spirit of continuous
based upon safety, quality, and timeliness environmental improvement by going
in the performance of their work. beyond government regulations and
local laws to ensure that their processes
To learn more about Keystone and policies contribute to making
Structural Concrete, LLC and their their communities better places to live
affiliated companies, please contact and work.
them at +1.713.856.9530 or visit their
website at www.keystoneconcrete.com. To learn more about Portland
Cement Association, please visit their
website at www.cement.org or call
+1.847.966.6200.
ACI Committee Document
Abstracts
The following ACI documents will soon be available: Manjrekar, James E. McDonald, Jay H. Paul, Murat B.
Seyidoglu, K. Nam Shiu, Thomas E. Spencer, Valery Tokar,
“Report on Flexural Live Load Distribution Alexander M. Vaysburd, James Warner, and David W.
Methods for Evaluating Existing Bridges Whitmore; Robert V. Gevecker, Stephen A. Johanson,
(ACI 342R-16)” Emory L. Kemp, Howard H. Newlon Jr., Weilan Song,
Reported by ACI Committee 342, Evaluation of Concrete Dela Tharmabala, Robert Tracy, and William F. Wescott,
Bridges and Bridge Elements Consulting Members.

Jeffrey L. Smith, Chair; Riyadh A. Hindi, Secretary; Rita K. Abstract: Nonprestressed reinforced concrete liquid
Oglesby, Secretary; Om P. Dixit, Andrew J. Foden, Andre G. containment structures, in particular noncircular tanks, often
Garner, Devin K. Harris, Mohamed A. Mahgoub, Bruno exhibit vertical and diagonal cracks that are aesthetically
Massicotte, John J. Myers, Larry D. Olson, Ayman E. Salama, objectionable. More importantly, cracks could result in loss of
Johan L. Silfwerbrand, and Mark Erik Williams; F. Michael stored liquids, leakage of hazardous materials, concrete
Bartlett, Fernando A. Branco, Angel E. Herrera, Barney T. deterioration, and corrosion of reinforcing bars. Such cracks,
Martin Jr., Madhwesh Raghavendrachar, and Jaroslav Simek, however, are seldom indicative of structural failure. This
Consulting Members. TechNote reviews the methodology of repair in liquid
containment structures.
Abstract: This report provides a synthesis of the topic of
flexural live load distribution and its applicability to concrete “Guide to Design of Reinforced Two-Way Slab
bridges. Flexural live load distribution is critical to describing Systems (ACI 421.3R-15)”
how loads are transmitted through a bridge system. This Reported by Joint ACI-ASCE Committee 421, Design of
report is intended to provide engineers, including load rating Reinforced Concrete Slabs
engineers, with basic guidance on the methods and tools
available for determining live load distribution behavior of Mustafa A. Mahamid,* Chair; Simon J. Brown, Pinaki R.
in-service bridges. Included in the report are descriptions, a Chakrabarti, William L. Gamble, Ramez Botros Gayed, Amin
brief history, background of the flexural load distribution Ghali, Hershell Gill, Neil L. Hammill, Mahmoud E. Kamara,*
phenomena, and a summary of design and analysis methods Theodor Krauthammer, James S. Lai,* Faris A. Malhas, Mark D.
used to describe the phenomena in practice. Case studies are Marvin, Sami Hanna Megally, Michael C. Mota, Edward G.
presented to serve as a comparison summary of commonly Nawy,* Daniel Reider, Aly Said, Eugenio M. Santiago,
used live load distribution methods and their performance in Myoungsu Shin,* Matthew Smith, Ying Tian, Amy M.
describing the behavior of in-service structures. The report Reineke Trygestad, and Stanley C. Woodson; Eugene Paul
also provides guidance on performing bridge load ratings with Holland, J. Leroy Hulsey, and Sidney H. Simmonds,
a practical synopsis of the various methods available for Consulting Members.
determining the live load distribution factor. While this report *
Authors and editorial team.
is limited to flexural live load distribution, it provides the
foundation for a future committee guide on the in-service Abstract: This guide presents analysis methods, design
evaluation of concrete bridges. procedures, slab reinforcement and detailing practices, and
strength and serviceability considerations, as well as
“Repair of Leaking Cracks in the Walls of Liquid information for the resistance to lateral forces for slab-column
Containment Structures (ACI 364.12T-15)” frames. It also covers the design for flexure and shear and
Reported by ACI Committee 364, Rehabilitation torsion, and the effect of openings. Both two-way
nonprestressed slabs and post-tensioned slabs are included.
David A. VanOcker, Chair; Marjorie M. Lynch, Secretary;
Randal M. Beard, Benoit Bissonnette, Christopher D. Brown, “Report on Design and Construction of Fiber-
Ryan Alexander Carris, Larry D. Church, Bruce A. Collins, Reinforced Precast Concrete Tunnel Segments
Boris Dragunsky, Paul E. Gaudette, Timothy R.W. Gillespie, (ACI 544.7R-16)”
Fred R. Goodwin, Zareh B. Gregorian, Pawan R. Gupta, Reported by ACI Committee 544, Fiber-Reinforced Concrete
John L. Hausfeld, Robert L. Henry, Kal R. Hindo, Charles J.
Hookham, Ashok M. Kakade, Keith E. Kesner, Erick N. Barzin Mobasher, Chair; Neven Krstulovic-Opara,
Larson, John S. Lund, Pritpal S. Mangat, Surendra K. Secretary; Clifford N. MacDonald, Membership Secretary;

18 JANUARY 2016 | Ci | www.concreteinternational.com

 Document Abstracts

Corina-Maria Aldea, Emmanuel K. Attiogbe, Mehdi Bakhshi,* Leonardi, and G. Tiberti† for their contributions to this report.
Nemkumar Banthia, Joaquim Oliveira Barros, Amir
Bonakdar, Amanda C. Bordelon, Jean-Philippe Charron, Abstract: Fiber reinforcement has emerged as an
Xavier Destree, Ashish Dubey, Mahmut Ekenel, Liberato alternative to traditional reinforcing bars and welded wire
Ferrara, Gregor D. Fischer, Dean P. Forgeron, Rishi Gupta, mesh reinforcement for precast concrete tunnel segments. Due
Heidi Helmink, George C. Hoff, Marco Invernizzi, John to significantly improved post-cracking behavior and crack
Jones, David A. Lange, Michael Mahoney, Bruno Massicotte, control characteristics, fiber-reinforced concrete (FRC)
James Milligan, Nicholas C. Mitchell Jr., Jeffrey L. Novak, segments provide advantages over traditionally reinforced
Giovanni A. Plizzari,† Klaus Alexander Rieder, Pierre Rossi, concrete segments such as saving cost and reducing
Steve Schaef, Surendra P. Shah, Flavio de Andrade Silva, production time while developing a more robust product with
Emilio Garcia Taengua, Thomas E. West, Kay Wille, and improved handling and long-term durability. This document
Robert C. Zellers; P.N. Balaguru, Hiram Price Ball Jr., provides general information on the history of FRC precast
Gordon B. Batson, Arnon Bentur, Andrzej M. Brandt, James I. segments from tunneling projects throughout the world; a
Daniel, Sidney Freedman, Christian Meyer, Henry J. Molloy, procedure for structural analysis and design based on
Antoine E. Naaman, and Venkataswamy Ramakrishnan, governing load cases; and a description of the material
Consulting Members. parameters, tests, and analyses required to complete the
*
Chair of the task group who prepared this report. design. The proposed guidelines are based on the
†
Individuals who prepared this report. knowledge gained from experimental research, analytical
V. Nasri is acknowledged as a significant contributor to this report; work, and the experience gained on numerous FRC precast
special acknowledgments to M. Invernizzi, W. Bergeson, S. Giuliani- tunnel projects.

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www.concreteinternational.com | Ci | JANUARY 2016 19

On the
Move
WDP & Associates promoted ACI member BJ (Byounjun) The PENETRON Group appointed Doug Poe to Sales
Lee to Senior Engineer I. He received his BS and MS degrees Representative in North America. He will initially cover the
in architectural engineering from Kangwon National University, Kentucky/Tennessee region and expand to include the Great
Chuncheon, South Korea, and his PhD in civil engineering Lakes area. Poe has over 27 years of experience in the
with a concentration in structural engineering from Lehigh concrete industry. Before joining PENETRON, he worked for
University, Bethlehem, PA. His doctoral research included the W.R. Grace & Company, where he helped develop high-
development of precast and prestressed three-wythe concrete strength concrete first used in the iconic AT&T Building in
sandwich wall panels. Shortly after teaching at Lehigh and Nashville, TN, and at Irving Materials, Inc., as head of the
completing post-doctoral work that evaluated the structural Technical Sales team in Tennessee. He also founded and
effects and behavior of steel components subjected to fire, Lee managed Concrete 4 Good, a niche concrete provider to the
joined WDP. His focus has predominantly been on complex Tennessee market.
structural engineering projects, such as the the JAG school Atlas Copco appointed Matt Franzel as its Product
structural repair and façade replacement in Charlottesville, VA, Manager to oversee its hydraulic attachments, including
which won an ICRI-BW Chapter Award for outstanding bucket crushers, breakers, cutters, grapples, magnets, and
repairs. Lee has published several papers, ranging from pulverizers. Franzel’s responsibility covers multiple tasks
numerical modeling of structures to physical load testing of within Atlas Copco’s construction tool division. He will grow
random ashlar stone masonry walls at Virginia Tech. He is a the division product lines, as well as use U.S. market
member of ACI Committee 546, Repair of Concrete; Joint information, product knowledge, and sales strategy to advise
ACI-TMS Committee 216, Fire Resistance and Fire Protection sales staff.
of Structures; and ACI Subcommittees 546-B, Repair-Material
Selection Guide, and 546-C, Repair-Guide. Honors and Awards
The National Academy of
The Design-Build Institute of America (DBIA) selected Construction (NAC) elected David W.
Lisa Choplin as Deputy Executive Director. Choplin will Johnston, FACI, of North Carolina
work in partnership with DBIA’s Regions and Chapters to State University (NCSU), as a new
develop and implement strategies to grow membership and member of its 2015 class. The 2015
industry engagement with DBIA. She is an experienced public class includes 26 new inductees selected
owner using design-build, a former member of the DBIA Mid- from more than 250 industry nominees.
Atlantic Region’s Board of Directors, and a co-founder of the Johnston is the Edward I. Weisiger
DBIA Maryland Chapter. Choplin was instrumental in Distinguished Professor Emeritus in
bringing Design-Build Done RightTM to Maryland, having Johnston Construction Engineering and
taken over Maryland State Highway Administration’s design- Management at NCSU, where he received his bachelor’s,
build program in 2000 when it was still in its infancy. She was master’s, and doctoral degrees in civil engineering. He joined
directly involved in developing the project delivery strategies the faculty there in 1977 and served in the Department of
and procurement of the $2.4 billion Intercounty Connector Civil, Construction, and Environmental Engineering until his
(ICC) project, an 18.8 mile (30 km) highway that connects retirement in 2010. His research areas include construction
major transportation corridors north of Washington, DC. The engineering, construction management, bridge management
ICC is Maryland’s largest design-build project and was systems, and structural engineering. He is author of the eighth
awarded a 2012 National Design-Build Award. edition of ACI SP-4 design manual, Formwork for Concrete.
Johnston is a Fellow of the American Society of Civil

Advertise in Ci Engineers (ASCE). He is also a licensed professional engineer

in North Carolina, New York, and Connecticut. Johnston has
served as an evaluator for the ABET Engineering
For more information, contact Accreditation Commission, and chairs the Construction
Meredith Schwartz Engineering PE Exam Module Subcommittee for the National
Account Executive Council of Examiners for Engineering and Surveying. He is
the past recipient of the ACI Construction Practice Award, the
Network Media Partners
ACI Delmar Bloem Award, and the ASCE Roebling Award.
+1.410.584.8487
Johnston is a member of ACI Committee 347, Formwork for
E-mail: [email protected] Concrete; Joint ACI-CRSI Committee 315, Details of Concrete
Reinforcement; and the TAC Design Standards Committee.

20 JANUARY 2016 | Ci | www.concreteinternational.com

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Calls for
Papers
Two-Way Slab Systems: Recent Developments 123, Research and Current Developments.
Meeting: Technical session on “Two-Way Slab Systems: Solicited: Previously unpublished information from
Recent Developments and Showcases on Design, Analysis, completed studies on any aspect of structural analysis or
Construction, and Evaluation Methods,” at The Concrete design, concrete materials science, or construction,
Convention and Exposition, April 17-21, 2016, in Milwaukee, manufacturing, use, and maintenance of concrete structures
WI; sponsored by Joint ACI-ASCE Committee 421, Design of and products. The purpose of this session is to provide
Reinforced Concrete Slabs. authors/speakers an open forum for presentation of recent
Solicited: Presentations are invited on new design and technical information that does not fit into other sessions
construction methods in two-way slab systems; innovative scheduled for this convention. Typical presentation time is
reinforcement methods for punching shear prevention; practical 20 minutes for oral presentations. Posters will be displayed for
design and analysis experiences in recent projects of complex the entirety of the day Monday, and authors are requested to
geometries; experimental tests and/or numerical modeling attend the 1-hour poster session.
against extreme hazards, such as earthquake, fire, blast, and Requirements: 1) presentation title; 2) author/speaker
progressive collapse; and nondestructive evaluation name(s), job title, organization, and contact information; 3)
techniques for in-place two-way slabs. abstract of 250 words maximum and one relevant figure; and
Requirements: 1) presentation title; 2) author/speaker 4) preference for oral or poster presentations. Note that although
name(s), job title, organization, and contact information; and presenter preference (if indicated) will be considered, submis-
3) abstract of 250 words maximum with one relevant figure. sions will be selected for oral or poster presentation at the
Deadline: Abstracts are due by January 11, 2016. discretion of the moderators and committee members. Abstracts
Send to: Myoungsu (James) Shin, Ulsan National Institute exceeding 250 words will not be accepted. Duplicate abstract
of Science and Technology (UNIST), [email protected], submissions to both Research in Progress and Open Topic
+82.52.217.2814; and Mustafa Mahamid, University of Presentation sessions will not be considered by either session;
Illinois at Chicago, [email protected], +1.312.355.0364. please select the appropriate session for your abstract.
Deadline: Submit abstracts electronically to http://goo.gl/
History of Concrete forms/ftePFYiu3y no later than January 22, 2016. Authors/
Meeting: Technical session on “History of Concrete” at speakers will be notified of the review decision for acceptance
The ACI Concrete Convention and Exposition, October 23-27, by February 8, 2016.
2016, in Philadelphia, PA; sponsored by ACI Committee 120, Contact: Lisa Burris, Georgia Institute of Technology,
History of Concrete. [email protected] and Aaron Larosche, Pivot
Solicited: Based on the history of cement production in Engineers, [email protected].
Pennsylvania’s Lehigh Valley, presentations on cement
powders such as lime mortars, natural cement, “early” Research in Progress Presentation and
masonry, or portland cement are sought; however, presentations Poster Session
on other topics related to the history of design, construction, Meeting: Two 2-hour technical sessions titled “Research in
cementitious powders, and concrete practices would also be Progress” and one poster session titled “ACI 123 Concrete
considered. Presentations will be 15 to 20 minutes in length. Research Poster Session” at The ACI Concrete Convention
Any type of physical artifact is also encouraged. and Exposition, April 18, 2016, in Milwaukee, WI; sponsored
Requirements: 1) presentation title; 2) author/speaker by ACI Committee 123, Research and Current Developments.
name(s), title, organization, and contact information; and Solicited: Short oral presentations (typically 15 minutes) or
3) a one-page abstract. poster presentations in the area of concrete structures and
Deadline: Abstracts are due by January 15, 2016. materials related to any aspect of an ongoing research program
Send to: Ryan Scott, Essroc Italcementi Group, highlighting the overall scope of the research, methods of
[email protected]. investigation, test procedures, results, and conclusions to date.
The purpose of these sessions is to provide authors an open
Open Topic Presentation and Poster Session forum for the presentation of recent technical information that
Meeting: Two 2-hour oral presentation sessions titled does not fit into other sessions scheduled for this convention.
“Open Topic Presentations” on April 19, 2016, and one poster Authors selected for the poster session will need to attend the
session titled “ACI 123 Concrete Research Poster Session,” poster session scheduled on April 18, 2016.
on April 18, 2016, at The ACI Concrete Convention and Requirements: 1) presentation title; 2) author/speaker
Exposition, in Milwaukee, WI; sponsored by ACI Committee name(s), title, organization, and contact information;

22 JANUARY 2016 | Ci | www.concreteinternational.com

 Calls for Papers

3) abstract of 250 words maximum with up to one relevant number of submitted papers the Scientific Committee could
figure; and 4) preference for oral and/or poster presentations. consider some papers for a poster session.
Although presenter preference will be considered, Requirements: Abstracts of 300 words maximum can be
submissions will be selected for oral or poster presentation at uploaded to www.aciitaly.com; include the title, authors,
the discretion of the moderators and committee members. affiliated organizations, addresses, and contact information.
Note that duplicate submissions to Research in Progress and Deadline: Abstracts are due by January 31, 2016.
Open Topic Presentation sessions are not accepted; please Contact: Workshop Secretary, [email protected].
select the appropriate session for your abstract.
Deadline: Submit abstracts electronically no later than Grouting for a Sustainable Future
January 22, 2016. Authors/speakers will be notified of the Meeting: Technical sessions on “Grouting for a
review decision for acceptance by February 8, 2016. Sustainable Future” at The ACI Concrete Convention and
Send to: Chris Carroll, Saint Louis University, carrolljc@ Exposition, October 23-27, 2016, in Philadelphia, PA;
slu.edu, and Fatmir Menkulasi, Louisiana Tech University, sponsored by ACI Committee 552, Cementitious Grouting,
[email protected]. and cosponsored by RILEM.
Solicited: The special session will emphasize grouting
ACI Young Professional Essay Contest applications that have been at the forefront of construction for
Event: ACI Committee S806, Young Professional Activities the last few decades. The following session will identify case
(YPA), promotes participation of young professionals in the studies on new applications, additives, and admixtures for
ACI community through an essay contest. grouts that ensure a sustainable future. Pros and cons will be
Solicited: Entries are invited on the theme of how young discussed in the case studies to facilitate a realistic view for
professionals have been engaged with ACI and how that has new solutions to ongoing issues. Prospective attendees would
given them an edge in the workplace. An application form be representatives of government agencies, contractors,
can be found at www.concrete.org/Portals/0/Files/PDF/ engineers, construction managers, and grout additive/
Young_Professionals_Essay_Contest_Application.pdf. admixtures manufacturers and distributors.
Requirements: 1) the essay must be kept to two pages in Requirements: 1) presentation title; 2) author/speaker
length, typed in 12-point font, with 1 in. margins, on letter- name(s), title, organization, and contact information; and
size (8.5 x 11 in.) paper; 2) any references should be cited 3) abstract of 250 words.
correctly and the reference list shall be part of the two-page Deadline: February 1, 2016.
document; and 3) all applicants must have been in a concrete- Send to: Jon Belkowitz, Intelligent Concrete LLC,
or construction-related industry for less than 8 years. Years [email protected].
spent as a full-time student studying a construction-related
field do not count toward these 8 years. Current students and Early-Age Concrete Properties Measurements
faculty members are not eligible. for Concrete Pavement Construction
Deadline: Essays are due by January 31, 2016. Operations and Traffic Opening
Send to: Kathy Rockwell, Young Professional Essay Meeting: Technical session on “Early-Age Concrete Properties
Contest, ACI, 38800 Country Club Drive, Farmington Hills, MI Measurements for Concrete Pavement Construction Operations
48331, or e-mail: [email protected]. and Traffic Opening” at The ACI Concrete Convention and
Exposition, October 23-27, 2016, in Philadelphia, PA;
New Boundaries of Structural Concrete sponsored by ACI Committees 231, Properties of Concrete at
Meeting: Fourth Workshop on “The New Boundaries of Early Ages, and 325, Concrete Pavements.
Structural Concrete,” September 29-October 1, 2016, at Villa Solicited: Presentations are solicited on the importance of
Orlandi, Capri Island, Italy; sponsored by the Italy Chapter – ACI. having reliable data to support pavement construction and
Solicited: The five sessions of the workshop will focus on operation decisions and the possible consequences of not
performance and life-cycle costs of new concrete structures, having them; measurements techniques of early-age properties
controlled-performance concrete, new scenarios for concrete, for pavement finishing, saw cutting, and opening for traffic;
concrete quality control on site, and innovative strengthening currently specified early-age concrete properties, acceptable
systems for concrete structures. For each session, up to 15 ranges, and their use in determining concrete pavement
presentations of 15 minutes each are scheduled. The call for finishing timing, saw cutting, and opening for traffic time
papers is open to all who are interested in submitting a limits; and case studies.
contribution on one of the five themes. Based on the total Requirements: 1) presentation title; 2) author/speaker

www.concreteinternational.com | Ci | JANUARY 2016 23

 Calls for Papers: Submission Guidelines
Calls for papers should be submitted no later than 3 months prior to the
deadline for abstracts. Please send meeting information, papers/presentations

Calls for Papers being solicited, abstract requirements, and deadline, along with full contact
information to: Keith A. Tosolt, Managing Editor, Concrete International,
38800 Country Club Drive, Farmington Hills, MI 48331; e-mail: Keith.Tosolt@
concrete.org. Visit www.callforpapers.concrete.org for more information.

name(s), title, organization, and contact information; and Requirements: 1) presentation title; 2) author/speaker
3) an abstract between 100 and 300 words. name(s), title, organization, and contact information; and
Deadline: Abstracts are due by March 1, 2016. 3) abstract of 250 words.
Send to: Jussara Tanesi, SES Group and Associates, Deadline: Abstracts are due by March 10, 2016.
[email protected]; and Wayne Wilson, LafargeHolcim Send to: Kimberly Kramer, [email protected].
US, Inc., [email protected].
Conference on Composites/Nano Engineering
Revolutionary Tilt-up Design and Construction Meeting: 24th International Conference on Composites/
Meeting: Session on “Revolutionary Tilt-up Design and Nano Engineering (ICCE-24), July 17-23, 2016, near Sanya,
Construction” at The ACI Concrete Convention and Hainan Island, China.
Exposition, October 23-27, 2016, in Philadelphia, PA; Solicited: Two-page detailed summary papers and full-
sponsored by ACI Committees 551, Tilt-up Concrete length papers are invited on all aspects of material science,
Construction, and E702, Designing Concrete Structures. including, but not limited to, infrastructures composites, smart
Solicited: Recently, tilt-up concrete has been used in new materials and sensors, materials under harsh environments,
building types, which has advanced the industry’s technology and green materials.
and has provided unique solutions to building programs. This Requirements: Paper submission guidelines are available
has been achieved through innovative engineering and at www.icce-nano.org.
construction. Presentations disseminating information related Deadline: Submit papers online as soon as possible.
to slender reinforced concrete, known as “tilt-up” or “site-cast Contact: David Hui, University of New Orleans, telephone
tilt-up concrete,” are welcome. +1.504.280.6652, fax +1.504.280.6192, e-mail [email protected].

Formwork for Concrete

Completely revised and updated; still the formwork reference of choice
The 8th Edition, authored by David W. Johnston, North Carolina
State University, is a major revision of the document to bring it
up-to-date with “Guide to Formwork for Concrete (ACI 347R-14).”
Revisions include referencing current standards and practices,
An ACI Manu
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removing outdated or irrelevant material, adding content on new
developments in formwork technology and practice, and updating
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• An ACI best-selling document • Chapter problems for

classroom study
• Allowable strength design
and load and resistance factor • 500 modern color
design examples photographs
SP-4 (14)

• Updated to current standards • 150 color illustrations

• Includes ACI 347R-14
Formwork for Concrete, 8th Edition, 2014, 512 pp. Order Code: SP48TH, $249.50 (ACI members $149.00)

24 JANUARY 2016 | Ci | www.concreteinternational.com

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–Central Hall 4213–
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• Talk to industry experts
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25th Annual Tilt-Up
Achievement Awards

E
ach year, the Tilt-Up Concrete Association (TCA) functions occurring in different parts of the school. These
honors those organizations, people, and projects that functions can now take place in one location.
have successfully illustrated the variety, beauty, and Participating TCA members: Fenix Construction
flexibility of tilt-up construction. The Achievement Awards Company, Tilt-up Contractor; Form Services, Inc., Project
program was established to recognize projects that use Architect; Innovative Brick Systems LLC, Thin Brick;
site-cast tilt-up concrete to introduce new building types, and HD Supply Construction & Industrial White Cap,
advance industry technology, and provide unique solutions to Tilt-up Accessories.
building programs. Winners of this year’s competition were
announced at the 2015 TCA Convention. The 12 projects that Dixie Middle School, St. George, UT
won Excellence awards included: This project was a challenge to design and build. Concrete
tilt-up panels varied greatly in geometry. There were many
Educational spandrel and cantilevered panels to accommodate entryways
Centennial Arts Center, St. Louis, MO and large openings. Tilt-up panels abutted concrete masonry
The Centennial Arts Center is an expansion of the unit walls and sandwich panels were used in some locations
Community School, founded in 1914, merging an existing for exterior walls in areas that required a durable wall surface.
historic architectural form with thin brick concrete tilt panels. Due to the complexity of the tilt-up panels, architectural
It provides a dedicated space for the drama, band, art, music, and structural elevations were generated for each one.
and performance programs, as well as a state-of-the-art Tilt-up construction allowed the building to be constructed
facility for the community. in 20 months.
The Performance space features flexibility that allows for Participating TCA members: BHB Consulting Engineers
a proscenium stage presentation as well as in-the-round PC, Project Engineer; HD Supply Construction & Industrial
performances. This 5200 ft2 (480 m2) space also alleviates White Cap, Tilt-up Accessories; and HK Composites, Inc.,
logistical pressures caused by the dynamics of multiple Insulation Systems.

Centennial Arts Center, St. Louis, MO Dixie Middle School, St. George, UT

www.concreteinternational.com | Ci | JANUARY 2016 27

 Galaxy Elementary School, Boyton Beach, FL
Two 39 ft (11.8 m) high panels serve as the main entry for this
school. The first panel is 51 ft (15.5 m) wide and the second panel is
40 ft (12 m) wide. These tilt-up panels were designed with 2 ft (0.6 m)
wide angled legs from the second floor down. The panel specialty
engineer’s biggest challenge was to design the angled legs as
structural columns in lieu of standard panel legs. A considerable
amount of additional reinforcement was required. In addition, the
widest panel has a massive second floor opening (39 ft [11.8 m] wide
by 11 ft [3.3 m] high), which presented additional challenges to the
specialty engineer and the lifting and bracing engineer.
Participating TCA members: Builders Plus, Inc., Tilt-up
Contractor; Fitzgerald Formliners, Form liner; HD Supply
Construction & Industrial White Cap, Bracing; Meadow Burke, Lifting
Galaxy Elementary School, Boyton Beach, FL Hardware and Bracing; and Nox-Crete Products, Form Release.

Triton Ballpark and Marye Anne Fox Clubhouse,

La Jolla, CA
With the support of the chancellor and generous alumni,
the University of California, San Diego (UCSD) baseball
program was able to redevelop its ballpark to support their
efforts to field a top team and improve the fan experience.
Triton Ballpark represents the unique sense of place that
characterizes the UCSD campus. Set on the edge of a coastal
chaparral canyon, the grandstand enclosure and clubhouse
were designed with tilt-up concrete because the plasticity
and texture of this material allowed the creation of a strong
relationship between the buildings and the campus context.
Custom formwork literally brands the team’s identity into
the clubhouse wall.
The complex was ready for the opening day game, only
5 months after start of construction.
Participating TCA member: Gensler, Project Architect.

Walker Hall, Maryville University, St. Louis, MO

To bolster recruitment for their Healthcare Professions
program and bring the School of Nursing program to the
next level in education, Maryville University looked to
Triton Ballpark and Marye Anne Fox Clubhouse, La Jolla, CA
design a state-of-the-art lab and academic facility.
With a tight budget in mind, early BIM
coordination of all mechanical/electrical/
plumbing systems was used for design.
This allowed the interstitial space to be
compressed—saving exterior skin cost—and
using a thin brick tilt-up concrete panel design
achieved a low unit cost. The design for the
three-story, 87,000 ft2 (8000 m2) facility is
inspired by a unique “open collaboration”
concept, promoting interaction among
students, faculty, and staff.
Participating TCA members: Concrete
Strategies, Inc., Tilt-up Contractor; Forum
Studio, Project Architect; and HD Supply
Construction & Industrial White Cap, Tilt-up
Walker Hall, Maryville University, St. Louis, MO Accessories.

28 JANUARY 2016 | Ci | www.concreteinternational.com

Office floor-to-floor height, with a ribbon window at the top that is
Legacy at Fallbrook Phase I, Houston, TX accommodated by a 60 ft (18 m) long upper tilt-wall panel.
This project is a five-story stacked panel office building This increases the glass to tilt-up panel ratio by 12.5%.
with a connected garage and plaza. The building was angled Participating TCA members: CMC Construction
on the site for optimum frontage along a highway. Each floor Services, Tilt-up Accessories; E.E. Reed Construction LP,
has a raised 10 ft (3 m) glass line at a 14 ft 6 in. (4.4 m) General Contractor; HD Supply Construction & Industrial
White Cap, Lifting Hardware and Bracing; LJB Inc., Project
Engineer; Loveday Lumber Company, Tilt-up Accessories;
Powers Brown Architecture, Project Architect; and TAS
Commercial Concrete Construction LP, Tilt-up Contractor.

Mead and Hunt, Middleton, WI

This 65,000 ft2 (6000 m2) office building is constructed
with exterior walls of tilt-up concrete panels. Offices,
conference rooms, and most support spaces are placed near
the building core, and clear spans to the outer walls allow great
flexibility for the layout of open office furniture. An open
staircase with an overhead skylight connects all floor levels.
Using a straightforward composition of rectilinear planes
and openings, the layered exterior is designed to provide
daylight while shielding the interior from direct sunlight. On
the south, this can be seen in the way the horizontal shading
Legacy at Fallbrook Phase I, Houston, TX devices protect the windows. On the east and west, an

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www.concreteinternational.com | Ci | JANUARY 2016 29

 Zenith Ridge, Canonsburg, PA

Mead and Hunt, Middleton, WI Zenith Ridge, Canonsburg, PA

scaped with multiple water features and an expansive garden.

Participating TCA members: CMC Construction
Services, Lifting Hardware; Dayton Superior Corporation,
Lifting Hardware and Bracing; E.E. Reed Construction LP,
General Contractor; LJB Inc., Project Engineer; Loveday
Lumber Company, Tilt-up Accessories; Nox-Crete Products
Group, Form Release; Powers Brown Architecture, Project
Architect; and TAS Commercial Concrete Construction LP,
Tilt-up Contractor.

Zenith Ridge, Canonsburg, PA

This mixed-use development project consists of three
five-story buildings clad in brick masonry and metal cornice
accents. Building 1 comprises 183,000 ft2 (17,000 m2) and is a
build-to-suit project for ANSYS, an engineering simulation
software company. Buildings 2 and 3 are each 151,000 ft2
(14,000 m2) speculative office buildings.
The master plan provides a campus-like setting, and each
building’s configuration, orientation, and fenestration will
Sierra Pines II, The Woodlands, TX optimize views to the surrounding Pittsburgh, PA, hillsides.
The highly efficient floor plates are designed to work with
multi-tenant configurations and provide column-free exterior
exoskeleton is made by turning the tilt-up panels perpendicular walls. Building vertical circulation is arranged at the center
to the enclosing plane, creating vertical sunscreens which are core of the plan, providing uninterrupted exterior perimeter
effective in controlling eastern and western sunlight. walls with floor-to-ceiling glass.
Participating TCA members: KEE Architecture, Project Participating TCA members: Clayco, General
Architect; Meadow Burke, Bracing and Form Release; Contractor; Concrete Strategies, Inc., Tilt-up Contractor;
Newcomb Construction Company, Tilt-up Contractor; and Forum Studio, Project Engineer; HD Supply Construction &
Thermomass, Insulation Systems. Industrial White Cap, Tilt-up Accessories; and Innovative
Brick Systems LLC, Thin Brick.
Sierra Pines II, The Woodlands, TX
Sierra Pines II is the first of its kind in the state of Texas— Special
a six-story tilt-up office building. Comprised of two stacked ESI Lab 2.0, St. Louis, MO
panels, the bottom a four-story and the top a two-story, the total Prescription giant Express Scripts’ Class A office building
height of the panels spans over 90 ft (27 m). The building creates a visual bridge to the Express Scripts corporate
features a two-story lobby, floor-to-ceiling windows, and campus. The design includes site-cast tilt-up walls, metal
grand views from upper floors to give the building the feel of panels, and highly efficient glass. This 234,000 ft2 (21,700 m2)
a typical cast-in-place office building. The complex is land- office and data center features a 13,000 ft2 (1200 m2) data

30 JANUARY 2016 | Ci | www.concreteinternational.com

center with high levels of security provisions and backup
systems. The core and shell project was completed on a
fast-track schedule of 10 months for design and construction.
Participating TCA members: Clayco, General
Contractor; Concrete Strategies, Inc., Tilt-up Contractor;
Form Services, Inc., Project Architect; and HD Supply
Construction & Industrial White Cap, Tilt-up Accessories.

Spiritual
Fusion Bible Church, Sherman, TX
The design of Fusion Bible Church uses a combination of
materials and finishes to create a structure that has both ESI Lab 2.0, St. Louis, MO
modern and traditional elements. The building is composed of
large boxes formed using tilt-wall panels with unique colors
and finishes. Stained tilt-up panels extend to the inside,
helping to create an atrium. The office block features painted
tilt-up panels with formliner accents around the windows.
Decorative pipe railings are used for the front of the building,
where a colonnade of large pair-paneled tilt-up panels help
create an outdoor patio with the main entry framed by a large
stained panel.
Participating TCA member: Alliance Architects, Inc.,
Project Architect. Fusion Bible Church, Sherman, TX

This new guide provides guidance and assistance to professionals

engaged in the repair of concrete buildings. The guide has been
developed to serve as an invaluable companion to ACI 562-13.

The new guide is separated into two main components: chapter guides
that follow the organization of ACI 562, broken down by the corresponding
sections and project examples that illustrate the use of the code for real
world projects from inception through completion.

These two components work together to provide additional information

on how to apply the performance requirements in ACI 562 and how the
requirements may be applied to a broad range of projects. Published
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$120.50 (ACI members $72.00)

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www.concreteinternational.com | Ci | JANUARY 2016 31
Warehouse/Distribution
Prologis Stapleton Business
Center Building 1, Denver, CO
This speculative project uses several
architectural tilt-up features including
lay-up panels, floating panels, and
spandrels that span more than 50 ft
(15 m). All four corners of the building
incorporate three-story recessed
storefront glass, covered canopies,
floating panels, and bearing spandrels
that frame into adjacent spandrel panels.
The complexity of the corners required
careful planning and erection.
Participating TCA members: Dayton
Superior Corporation, Form Release;
KB Concrete Systems, Inc., Tilt-up Prologis Stapleton Business Center Building 1, Denver, CO
Contractor; Meadow Burke, Bracing;
Peak Engineering, Inc., Project Engineer;
and Ware Malcomb, Project Architect. International Alvin Office, Alvin, TX; Beach, FL; Aldi Distribution, Rosenberg,
Martin’s Royal Office Build-Out, Rosenberg, TX; Chamberlin Roofing &
Other projects receiving TCA Kennesaw, GA; Palm Beach Waterproofing, Farmers Branch, TX;
Achievement Awards included: Orthopaedic Institute, Palm Beach Ellen Lighting, Houston, TX; Highfield
Civic: Town Centre One Theater, Gardens, FL; Texas Instruments, Sugar Business Park Building #3, Englewood,
Houston, TX. Land, TX; TGS Nopec, Houston, TX; CO; New Belgium Brewing Asheville
Educational: Yates Pavilion, Cherry and Westway Park Office, Houston, TX. Distribution Center, Candler, NC;
Hills Village, CO; and York Preparatory Retail: Canton Crossing | Building A Rich Products Distribution Center,
Academy Schools, Rock Hill, SC. + Building F, Baltimore, MD; and Houston, TX; RNDC Distribution,
Manufacturing/Industrial: FINSA Towne Centre at Laurel | Building Omaha, La Vista, NE; RNDC
Monterrey Facility, Cienega de Flores, NL, ABC + Building DEEE, Laurel, MD. Distribution, Virginia, Ashland, VA;
Mexico; and Gecolsa en Galapa, Galapa, Special: Warren Theatre, Moore, OK. Rooms To Go Distribution & Retail
Columbia. Spiritual: Bridgewater Baptist Center, Dunn, NC; Scientech, Idaho
Municipal: Lafayette Parish Public Church, Bridgewater, NS, Canada. Falls, ID; Technology Way Warehouse,
Safety Complex, Scott, LA; and Unbuilt: Midwest Commercial Napa, CA; and ThermoWorks Office &
St. Louis County Health, Berkeley, MO. Interiors, Salt Lake City, UT. Warehouse, American Fork, UT.
Office: Academy Headquarters, Katy, Warehouse/Distribution: 1269 For more information on the winning
TX; East Cooper Medical Center MOB, Commerce Way, Woodstock, ON; Aldi projects, visit www.tilt-up.org/awards/
Mount Pleasant, SC; Frank’s Distribution, Florida, Royal Palm tilt/2015/index.php.

Get Connected with ACI

Visit www.concrete.org
32 JANUARY 2016 | Ci | www.concreteinternational.com
A contribution from ACI Committee 236

Alkali-Activated Slag
Cement Concrete
A closer look at a sustainable alternative to portland cement

by Robert J. Thomas, Hailong Ye, Aleksandra Radlińska, and Sulapha Peethamparan

A
lkali-activated slag cement concrete (AASCC) is a may be limited by the activators, as the industrial production
promising sustainable alternative to portland cement of the alkalis necessary for the activation process is not
concrete (PCC). AASCC relies on strong alkaline always efficient. Nevertheless, recent studies suggest that
solutions for activation of ground-granulated blast-furnace typical AASCC formulations provide 25 to 50% reductions in
slag (slag cement), which is a calcium aluminosilicate CO2 emissions and more than 40% reductions in embodied
by-product of iron ore smelting (production of pig iron). energy relative to PCC.5-7
Although AASCC has been the subject of much research in
recent decades, it represents a century-old technology. In Alkali Activation Process
1908, Kühl1 first demonstrated the stabilization of powdered Slag cement is similar in composition to portland cement.
blast-furnace slag with caustic soda. In 1940, Purdon2 Both are composed mainly of calcium oxide (CaO), silica
published much more extensive research on alkali-activated (SiO2), alumina (Al2O3), and magnesia (MgO). However, slag
“clinkerless” cements. In the following two decades, cement has less calcium oxide and more silica, alumina, and
Glukhovsky3 studied the alkali activation of various organic magnesia than portland cement (Table 1).
and inorganic aluminosilicates. Glukhovsky’s “alkaline While portland cement is predominately crystalline, slag
cements” were used throughout the former USSR, where the cement is amorphous. Portland cement is hydraulic—setting
high strength and durability of alkali activated binders were by hydration with water. Slag cement is only latently so, as
summarily proven. By the end of the 1980s, Davidovits and advanced hydration is limited by the early and rapid formation
Sawyer4 had made extensive progress in describing the nature of an impermeable shell on the surface of hydrating grains.8-10
of alkali-activated slag and geopolymer binders. Such binders When slag cement is used as a partial replacement for portland
were marketed in the United States under the trade name cement, this barrier is broken down by the characteristically
Pyrament. While the good durability and high early strength high alkalinity of the pore solution, which in turn promotes
of this product made it an excellent repair medium, Pyrament the secondary hydration of slag. In the absence of portland
production ceased in the mid-1990s—apparently for reasons cement, the required alkalinity is provided by the activator.1-4,8,9
unrelated to the product itself. Common activators include sodium and potassium alkalis,
Much of the current research on AASCC focuses on alkali silicates, and alkali carbonates. By far the most
describing the reaction processes, microstructure development, common are sodium hydroxide (of up to 15M concentration)
and the effect of slag and activator compositions. From a more
practical standpoint, an understanding of how these factors
affect the mechanical properties and durability of AASCC is Table 1:
important. Current research is focused on providing Typical composition of Type I portland cement and slag
practitioners with the knowledge necessary for design and cement
implementation of AASCC. Mass % (typical)
At production scale, the costs of AASCC are reported to be Oxide Portland cement Slag cement
85 to 140% that of comparable PCC.5 The main benefits of CaO 65 40
AASCC therefore relate to sustainability: the embodied
SiO2 20 35
energy and emissions associated with the product are low
Al2O3 5 10
because slag is an industrial by-product requiring little
processing. However, the potential sustainability of AASCC MgO 2 10

www.concreteinternational.com | Ci | JANUARY 2016 33

and sodium silicate (with sodium oxide concentration of up to is about half that of portland cement.10 Meanwhile, sodium
7% by mass of slag and silica-sodium ratio of up to 3.5).8-14 hydroxide-activated slag cement reacts very quickly.
Significant product formation occurs in the first hour of
Kinetics and product formation hydration, even at ambient temperature.10,17 Here, increased
Hydration kinetics, which describe the rate of reaction activator alkalinity dramatically accelerates hydration,
products formation, are studied by isothermal calorimetry, resulting in more intense early product formation with higher
where heat generation by the exothermic hydration reaction is activator molarities.10 The majority of products are formed
used as an indication of reaction progress. The hydration within the first 12 hours. The heat evolved, especially with
kinetics of portland cement are well-documented: rapid initial high activator strength, is comparable to that of portland
dissolution is followed by several hours of dormancy, an cement. The practical knowledge that comes from these
acceleration period of fast hydration lasting as many as 24 hours, studies is that varying activators and curing conditions may be
and a deceleration period of slowing hydration, eventually used to tune the reaction kinetics to particular applications.
reaching a steady state condition within 2 to 3 days. A few The microstructural development of activated slag cement,
recent studies indicate that the hydration kinetics of activated as observed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), can help
slag cement are quite different and are significantly affected further characterize hydration mechanisms. The microstructure
by the activator and the curing temperature.8-10 of sodium silicate-activated slag cement after 1, 7, and 28 days
Figure 1 illustrates the hydration kinetics of portland of hydration is shown in Fig. 2. The shrinking slag grains—
cement and activated slag cement.10 Sodium silicate-activated white masses in Fig. 2(b) and (c)—suggest diffusion-
slag cement reacts in three stages: wetting of slag particles, controlled hydration.9 Meanwhile, the microstructure of
gelation of the activator, and bulk reaction product sodium hydroxide-activated slag cement forms much more
formation.10,15 Increased silica tends to retard hydration, while quickly (Fig. 3). Sodium hydroxide-activated slag cement
higher temperatures accelerate it.10,15,16 The heat of hydration includes a diffuse reaction ring around the hydrating slag

(a)

(b)

Fig. 1: Isothermal calorimetry data for portland cement (OPC), mixed ex situ, and alkali-activated slag cements: (a) sodium silicate-activated
slag cements; and (b) sodium hydroxide-activated slag cements at 22 and 50ºC (72 and 122ºF)10

34 JANUARY 2016 | Ci | www.concreteinternational.com

(a) (b) (c)

Fig. 2: Microstructure of sodium silicate-activated slag cement after: (a) 24 hours; (b) 7 days; and (c) 28 days of hydration10

(a) (b) (c)

Fig. 3: Microstructure of sodium hydroxide-activated slag cement after: (a) 6 hours; (b) 12 hours; and (c) 28 days of hydration10

grains (most clearly seen in Fig. 3(c)), also indicating a

diffusion-controlled reaction.
Several studies have discussed the chemical composition of
the product phases in activated slag cement in great detail.8-10
The main reaction product in hydrated portland cement is
calcium-silicate-hydrate (C-S-H), with lesser quantities of
calcium-aluminosilicate-hydrate (C-A-S-H) and calcium
hydroxide (CH). The main reaction product of activated slag
cement is C-A-S-H. Typically, the ratio of calcium to silica
(Ca/Si) in hydrated portland cement is 1.6 to 2.0.18 Hydrated
slag cement tends to be richer in silica than calcium (Ca/Si < 1),
as shown in Fig. 4.10 (a)

AASCC Characteristics
Mechanical properties and durability
The mechanical properties of AASCC are strongly
dependent on the activator (type and concentration) and on the
curing temperature. Heat curing drastically improves early-age
strength, making AASCC particularly suited to precast
applications. Curing for 48 hours at 50°C (122°F) can achieve
the same strength as curing for 28 days at ambient temperature.9-12
Strength can additionally be improved with increased
activator concentration (molarity of sodium hydroxide, or
sodium and silica concentration of sodium silicate).8-12 (b)
Figure 5 shows a typical model for the compressive strength
of sodium silicate-activated slag cement concrete.11 With Fig. 4: Energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS) spectra comparing the
adequate activators, strengths of 80 to 100 MPa (11,600 to typical composition of reaction products in: (a) sodium silicate-acti-
14,500 psi) have been reported.8,14 Compared with PCC, the vated slag cement (Ca/Si = 0.76); and (b) sodium hydroxide-activated
modulus of elasticity for AASCC is generally similar,12,19 but slag cement (Ca/Si = 0.81)10

www.concreteinternational.com | Ci | JANUARY 2016 35

the tensile strength of AASCC has been reported to be Workability and setting time
significantly higher.12 Despite excellent mechanical and durability performance,
Partial cement replacement with slag cement is known to the potential for rapid setting and poor workability limits
improve the long-term durability of concrete.20 It reasonably applicability of AASCC in the field. Because setting is
follows, then, that AASCC is similarly durable; in fact, many controlled by reaction kinetics, the time of set can be
studies have proven the improved resistance to chloride modified, as previously discussed. However, high activator
penetration, chemical attack, and freezing-and-thawing concentrations are often necessary to achieve desired strength,
cycling.13,19,21,22 Two durability issues that remain questionable and these can lead to prohibitively short setting times
include carbonation and alkali-silica reactivity. Because (sometimes as short as 10 minutes) due to the accelerating
calcium hydroxide (which carbonates easily) is limited in effect of highly alkaline activators. Increased silica in sodium
AASCC, carbonation occurs much differently than in PCC silicate-activated slag cement mixtures can retard setting
and is therefore not well understood.23,24 The potential while providing high strength, but at significant expense to
alkali-silica reactivity is discussed in several conflicting workability. A few studies have investigated the use of sugars
studies; the most recent suggest that, while the alkali-silica and metal salts to retard setting in AASCC without significantly
reaction (ASR) does occur in AASCC, the resulting expansion affecting strength.
is both reduced and delayed.24-26 Workability of AASCC is a complex issue because it
Perhaps the best measure of long-term durability of depends on the viscosity of the activating solution as well as
AASCC is the longevity of large-scale structures or elements the setting characteristics; rapid hydration can cause
in place. A recent report discussed the durability of several premature slump loss. Mixture proportioning for PCC is
such projects built as early as 1974 in Russia, Ukraine, and considered a constant water-cementitious materials ratio (w/cm)
China. These structures have shown excellent compressive approach, where workability adjustments are made without
strength retention; resistance to ASR, carbonation, and steel changing w/cm. With AASCC, the strength is mainly
corrosion; and generally good service performance.27 determined by the activator dosage relative to the binder; the
water content is not the only controlling parameter. Therefore,
studies suggest a constant-workability approach for AASCC,
where the water content is adjusted independently of the
binder to provide the desired workability. Finally, while
traditional water-reducing admixtures have proven ineffective
at high pH, air-entraining admixtures have been shown to
Fig. 5: Effect of
improve the rheology of AASCC.11,28
sodium silicate
activator composition
on compressive Volumetric stability
strength of AASCC Another barrier to practical application is the poor
cured at ambient volumetric stability of AASCC. High-magnitude shrinkage
temperature12 resulting from moisture loss—either internally due to
(Note: 1 MPa = 145 psi) hydration (autogenous shrinkage) or externally as a result of
evaporation (drying shrinkage)—can
lead to significant cracking and
premature failure. Shrinkage in alkali-
activated slag cement is activator-
dependent and manifests differently
than in hydrated portland cement.29,30
Shrinkage in AASCC exhibits
viscoplastic behavior—likely a result of
creep deformation under internal
capillary stresses.29,30 This distinct
shrinkage manifestation is attributed to
the unique behavior of the glassy
C-A-S-H product and the unique pore
(a) (b) structure of AASCC. Glycol-based
shrinkage reducers and other common
Fig. 6: Results for: (a) autogenous shrinkage in portland cement (OPC) and alkali-activated shrinkage-mitigation techniques are
slag cement (AASC) mortars with and without shrinkage-reducing admixtures (SRA)— therefore ineffective in AASCC, as
authors’ data; and (b) drying shrinkage in portland cement and alkali-activated slag cement evidenced by Fig. 6. Heat curing has
mortars with and without SRA at 50% relative humidity31 proven to reduce drying shrinkage

36 JANUARY 2016 | Ci | www.concreteinternational.com

mainly due to strengthening of C-A-S-H bonding and Corder, G.D., “Costs and Carbon Emissions for Geopolymer Pastes in
coarsening of pore structure, but significant autogenous Comparison to Ordinary Portland Cement,” Journal of Cleaner Production,
shrinkage still occurs. The mechanisms of shrinkage and V. 19, No. 9-10, June-July 2011, pp. 1080-1090.
effective mitigation strategies in AASCC remain in need of 6. Duxson, P.; Provis, J.L.; Lukey, G.C.; and van Deventer, J.S.J.,
continued investigation, as high-magnitude shrinkage severely “The Role of Inorganic Polymer Technology in the Development of
limits practical field application. ‘Green Concrete’,” Cement and Concrete Research, V. 37, No. 12,
Dec. 2007, pp. 1590-1597.
Potential for practical application in construction 7. Jiang, M.; Chen, X.; Rajabipour, F.; and Hendrickson, C.T.,
Significant understanding of the chemistry, product “Comparative Life Cycle Assessment of Conventional, Glass Powder,
formation, mechanics, and durability of AASCC has been and Alkali-Activated Slag Concrete and Mortar,” Journal of Infrastructure
gained in recent decades, yet large-scale implementation has Systems, V. 20, No. 4, Dec. 2014.
yet to be seen. Despite this, there are several applications for 8. Brough, A.R., and Atkinson, A., “Sodium Silicate-Based, Alkali-
which AASCC is particularly well-suited. Heat-cured Activated Slag Mortars: Part I. Strength, Hydration, and Microstructure,”
AASCC, used in precast operations, would allow earlier Cement and Concrete Research, V. 32, No. 6, June 2002, pp. 865-879.
stripping of forms and enhanced throughput. As a repair or 9. Deir, E.; Gebregziabiher, B.S.; and Peethamparan, S., “Influence
closure placement material, rapid-setting AASCC would of Starting Material on the Early Age Hydration Kinetics, Microstructure
allow less shutdown time and provide excellent durability. and Composition of Binding Gel in Alkali Activated Binder Systems,”
Excellent chloride penetration resistance and freezing-and- Cement and Concrete Composites, V. 48, Apr. 2014, pp. 108-117.
thawing resistance also make AASCC particularly suited for 10. Gebregziabiher, B.S.; Thomas, R.J.; and Peethamparan, S., “Very
use in cold climates with high prevalence of deicing salts. Early-Age Reaction Kinetics and Microstructural Development in Alkali-
Better still, these benefits come with reduced environmental Activated Slag,” Cement and Concrete Composites, V. 55, Jan. 2015,
impact and at similar costs to traditional PCC. There has been pp. 91-102.
some mention of occupational health and safety concerns 11. Thomas, R.J.; Howe, A.; and Peethamparan, S., “Alkali-Activated
regarding the safe handling of alkaline activators; a recent Cement-Free Concrete: Development of Practical Mixtures for Construction,”
study has reported, however, that sodium silicate activators, Proceedings of the 93rd Annual Meeting of the Transportation Research
some of the most commonly used for AASCC, are very safe to Board, Paper No. 14-4674, Transportation Research Board, 2014.
handle when the silica-sodium oxide ratio is above 1.5.32 12. Thomas, R.J., and Peethamparan, S., “Alkali-Activated Concrete:
Engineering Properties and Stress-Strain Behavior,” Construction and
Summary Building Materials, V. 93, Sept. 2015, pp. 49-56.
Increasing concern over emissions and energy use in the 13. Wang, S.D.; Pu, X.C.; Scrivener, K.L.; and Pratt, P.L., “Alkali-
concrete industry have resulted in an increased interest in Activated Slag Cement and Concrete: A Review of Properties and
alkali-activated slag cement as an alternative to portland Problems,” Advances in Cement Research, V. 7, No. 27, July 1995,
cement. While some remaining limitations of AASCC related pp. 93-102.
to workability, setting time, and excessive shrinkage exist, 14. Atiş, C.D.; Bilim, C.; Çelik, Ö.; and Karahan, O., “Influence of
some AASCC mixtures exhibit promising durability and Activator on the Strength and Drying Shrinkage of Alkali-Activated Slag
mechanical properties. They also exhibit substantial Mortar,” Construction and Building Materials, V. 23, No. 1, Jan. 2009,
versatility; varying curing conditions and activators can result pp. 548-555.
in rapid-setting mixtures that are suitable for repair or precast 15. Ravikumar, D., and Neithalath, N., “Reaction Kinetics in Sodium
applications, or in very slowly setting mixtures, which are Silicate Powder and Liquid Activated Slag Binders Evaluated Using
more suited to mass concrete projects. These features, Isothermal Calorimetry,” Thermochimica Acta, V. 546, Oct. 2012,
combined with the well-established environmental benefits, pp. 32-43.
make alkali-activated slag cement concrete a viable alternative 16. Gao, X.; Yu, Q.L.; and Brouwers, H.J.H., “Reaction Kinetics, Gel
to portland cement concrete, worthy of further research. Character, and Strength of Ambient Temperature Cured Alkali Activated
Slag-Fly Ash Blends,” Construction and Building Materials, V. 80,
References Apr. 2015, pp. 105-115.
1. Kühl, H., U.S. Patent No. 900,939, U.S. Patent and Trademark 17. Haha, M.B.; Le Saot, G.; Winnefeld, F.; and Lothenbach, B.,
Office, Washington, DC, 1908. “Influence of Activator Type on Hydration Kinetics, Hydration Assemblage,
2. Purdon, A.O., “The Action of Alkalis on Blast-Furnace Slag,” Journal and Microstructural Development of Alkali Activated Blast-Furnace
of the Society of Chemical Industry, V. 59, No. 9, 1940, pp. 191-202. Slags,” Cement and Concrete Research, V. 41, No. 3, Mar. 2011,
3. Glukhovsky, V.D., “Soil Silicates. Their Properties, Technology pp. 301-310.
and Manufacturing and Fields of Application,” Doct. Tech. Sc. Degree 18. Escalante-Garcia, J.I.; Mendoza, G.; and Sharp, J.H., “Indirect
thesis, Civil Engineering Institute of Kiev, Kiev, Ukraine, 1965. Determination of the Ca/Si ratio of the C-S-H gel in Portland Cements,”
4. Davidovits, J., and Sawyer, J.L., U.S. Patent No. 4,509,985, U.S. Cement and Concrete Research, V. 29, No. 12, Dec. 1999, pp. 1999-2003.
Patent and Trademark Office, Washington, DC, 1985. 19. Bernal, S.A.; de Gutiérrez, R.M.; and Provis, J.L., “Engineering
5. McLellan, B.C.; Williams, R.P.; Lay, J.; Van Riessen, A.; and and Durability Properties of Concretes Based on Alkali-Activated

www.concreteinternational.com | Ci | JANUARY 2016 37

Granulated Blast-Furnace Slag/Metakaolin Blends,” Construction and of Drying Rate on Shrinkage of Alkali-Activated Slag Cements,” 4th
Building Materials, V. 33, Aug. 2012, pp. 99-108. International Conference on the Durability of Concrete Structures,
20. Osborne, G.J., “Durability of Portland Blast-Furnace Slag Cement Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, 2014, pp. 254-261.
Concrete,” Cement and Concrete Composites, V. 21, No. 1, 1999, pp. 11-21. 31. Palacios, M., and Puertas, F., “Effect of Shrinkage-Reducing
21. Deja, J., and Malolepszy, J., “Resistance of Alkali-Activated Admixtures on the Properties of Alkali-Activated Slag Mortars and
Slag Mortars to Chloride Solution,” Fly Ash, Silica Fume, Slag, and Pastes,” Cement and Concrete Research, V. 37, No. 5, May 2007,
Natural Pozzolans in Concrete: Proceedings of the Third International pp. 691-702.
Conference, SP-114, V.M. Malhotra, ed., American Concrete Institute, 32. Elmore, A.R., “Final Report on the Safety Assessment of
Farmington Hills, MI, 1989, pp. 1547-1563. Potassium Silicate, Sodium Metasilicate, and Sodium Silicate,”
22. Fu, Y.; Cai, L.; and Yonggen, W., “Freeze-Thaw Cycle Test and International Journal of Toxicology, V. 24, 2004, pp. 103-117.
Damage Mechanics Models of Alkali-Activated Slag Concrete,”
Construction and Building Materials, V. 25, No. 7, July 2011, Received and reviewed under Institute publication policies.
pp. 3144-3148.
23 Puertas, F.; Palacios, M.; and Vázquez, T., “Carbonation Process
of Alkali-Activated Slag Mortars,” Journal of Materials Science, V. 41, ACI member Robert J. Thomas is a PhD
No. 10, May 2006, pp. 3071-3082. Candidate in the Department of Civil
24. Gifford, P.M., and Gillott, J.E., “Alkali-Silica Reaction (ASR) and Environmental Engineering (CEE) at
and Alkali-Carbonate Reaction (ACR) in Activated Blast-Furnace Slag Clarkson University, Potsdam, NY. His
Cement (ABFSC) Concrete,” Cement and Concrete Research, V. 26, No. 1, research interests include the mechani-
cal properties, durability of sustainable
Jan. 1996, pp. 21-26.
construction materials, and novel testing
25. Fernández-Jiménez, A., and Puertas, F., “The Alkali-Silica
for mechanical property characterization
Reaction in Alkali-Activated Granulated Slag Mortars with Reactive
of construction materials.
Aggregate,” Cement and Concrete Research, V. 32, No. 7, July 2002,
pp.1019-1024.
ACI member Hailong Ye is a PhD Candi-
26. Bakharev, T.; Sanjayan, J.G.; and Cheng, Y.B., “Resistance of
date in the Department of CEE at Penn-
Alkali-Activated Slag Concrete to Alkali-Aggregate Reaction,” Cement
sylvania State University (PennState),
and Concrete Research, V. 31, No. 2, Feb. 2001, pp. 331-334. State College, PA. He is a member of ACI
27. Provis, J.L.; Brice, D.G.; Buchwald, A.; Duxson, P.; Kavalerova, E.; Committee 123, Research and Current
Krivenko, P.V.; Shi, C.; van Deventer, J.S.J.; and Wiercx, J.A.L.M. Developments. His research interests
(Hans), “Chapter 11, Demonstration Projects and Applications in include the chemistry, engineering
Building and Civil Infrastructure,” Alkali Activated Materials, RILEM properties, and deterioration mecha-
State-of-the-Art Report TC 224-AAM, V. 1 , 2014, pp. 309-338. nisms of alkali-activated concrete.
28. Bakharev, T.; Sanjayan, J.G.; and Cheng, Y.-B., “Effect of
Admixtures on Properties of Alkali-Activated Slag Concrete,” Cement ACI member Aleksandra Radlińska is
and Concrete Research, V. 30, No. 9, Sept. 2000, pp. 1367-1374. an Assistant Professor in CEE depart-
29. Cartwright, C.; Rajabipour, F.; and Radlińska, A., “Shrinkage ment at PennState. She is the Chair
Characteristics of Alkali-Activated Slag Cements,” Journal of Materials of ACI Committee 123, Research and
in Civil Engineering, V. 27, No. 7, July 2015. Current Developments, and a member of
30. Ye, H.; Cartwright, C.; Rajabipour, F.; and Radlińska, A., “Effect ACI Committee 236, Materials Science
of Concrete. Her research focuses on
durability, shrinkage, and cracking in

Errata for ACI Publications

concrete.

Available Online
ACI member Sulapha Peethamparan is
an Associate Professor in the Depart-
ment of CEE at Clarkson University. She
is a member of ACI Committees 123,
Research and Current Developments;
Under the menu for “Publications” at 130, Sustainability of Concrete; 236,
www.concrete.org, document errata can be Materials Science of Concrete; and
searched by document number or keywords. 241, Nanotechnology of Concrete. Her
research interests include hydration
Call ACI Member Services at +1.248.848.3700 for chemistry, microstructural characterization, and mechanisms
more information. of chemical deterioration of portland cement and sustainable
binder concretes.

38 JANUARY 2016 | Ci | www.concreteinternational.com

Evaluation of Shear and
Diagonal Tension in
Plain Concrete
Results are compared for modified Iosipescu, flexural, split cylinder, and split prism tests

by Cristy Guenther Helmick, Saadet Toker-Beeson, and Jennifer Eisenhauer Tanner

A
procedure developed by Nicolae Iosipescu has been the Iosipescu beam test could be developed into a
shown to provide a simple and effective method to standardized test method for evaluating concrete.
experimentally evaluate the shear capacity of
materials.1 The Iosipescu loading scheme (Fig. 1) is designed Background
to induce a high shear stress at the centerline of a beam In 1986, Bažant and Pfeiffer3 explored failure mechanisms
specimen, where the moment approaches zero.2 The method using notched concrete prisms in Iosipescu-type tests.
was developed to evaluate fiber-reinforced composites and has Maximum loads measured from specimens with a small shear
been formalized as ASTM D5379/D5379M, “Standard Test span were found to be greater than specimens with a large
Method for Shear Properties of Composite Materials by the shear span. Similar tests were conducted by Ingraffea and
V-Notched Beam Method.” However, the method has not Panthaki4 and Arrea and Ingraffea.5 These researchers also
been formalized as a standard for testing concrete. conducted linear elastic finite element analyses using the
In the study summarized herein, we compare results from specimen geometry of Bažant and Pfeiffer3 to validate the
flexural and splitting tensile strength tests against results findings. The analyses showed that the principal tensile
obtained using the Iosipescu beam test (Fig. 1). Our study stresses were horizontal at the critical plane, and it was
shows that the Iosipescu method has sufficient simplicity for concluded that the failure mode in an Iosipescu test was
general use. Also, the test data from Iosipescu tests conducted actually cracking due to principal tensile stresses rather than
on unnotched concrete beam specimens correlate well with shear fracture.
data obtained from existing standardized methods. Therefore, In 1990, Biolzi6 investigated shear fractures in concrete
by evaluating beam specimens of different sizes. Crack
patterns were similar to those observed by Ingraffea and
Panthaki.4 Biolzi concluded that the failure mode varied with
the ratio of the distance between the central supports and the
depth of the specimen, a/d. When the distance between the
central loading points was increased, a mixed mode failure
occurred. The failure load at which vertical cracking
occurred was greater than the failure load at which mixed
mode failure occurred. Hughes et al.7 proposed a new model,
which was an extension of previous geometry developed by
Bažant and Pfeiffer.3 They reported that the tensile stresses
were not uniform along the cross section, indicating a
geometric dependency in the test method.
In addition to research on crack propagation and failure
Fig. 1: Iosipescu shear test setup used in this study mechanisms in beams, Ross8 examined alternative

www.concreteinternational.com | Ci | JANUARY 2016 39

configurations for the setup and test procedure for the were cast using concrete Mixtures 13 to 16 (Table 2).
Iosipescu beam test. This study accommodated larger test Concrete specimens were made with pea gravel, 3/8 in.
specimens and produced more consistent results than found in (9.5 mm) aggregate, or 3/4 in. (19 mm) aggregate to
previous work. The geometry of the loading conditions and investigate coarse aggregate size effects. Mixtures 1 to 3 were
span-depth ratio of the beam were found to define the failure made with 3/4 in. aggregate; Mixtures 4 to 6 and 10 to 12
mechanism. were made with pea gravel; Mixtures 7 to 9 were made with
3/8 in. aggregate; and Mixtures 13 to 16 were made with 3/8 in.
Test Program aggregate. The water-cement ratio (w/c) was varied to obtain
Our experimental program compared the results from three different compressive strengths from each casting.
Iosipescu shear strength tests with those obtained using Concrete beams were fabricated in plywood forms and
alternative tests and finite element analyses. Concrete concrete cylinders were cast in plastic molds. About 24 hours
parameters included compressive strength and aggregate type. after each placement, the forms were stripped and specimens
Iosipescu results were compared to splitting tensile strength were placed in a moist-cure room for at least 27 days before
and modulus of rupture, which are known measures of testing. For each mixture, compression cylinders, splitting
concrete tensile strength. The initial testing program consisted tension cylinders, Iosipescu beams, and modulus of rupture
of 4 x 8 in. (102 x 203 mm) cylinders (144 total), 6 x 12 in. beams were tested. For six of the 16 mixtures, both 4 in. and
(152 x 305 mm) cylinders (36 total), and 6 x 6 x 21 in. (152 x 6 in. diameter cylinders were tested to investigate specimen
152 x 533 mm) beams (144 total) from concrete Mixtures 1 to size effects on the splitting tensile strength.
12 (Table 1). A separate group of 4 in. prisms and cylinders The testing order started with compression testing of

Table 1:
Experimental test results for Mixtures 1 through 12
Aggregate type 3/4 in. (19 mm) Pea gravel 3/8 in. (9.5 mm) Pea gravel
Mixture no. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12
fc, psi* 6800 4870 4070 6790 5360 4760 5190 4400 3600 4620 3620 2560
COV, % 5.6 6.4 10.8 3.7 4.4 2.8 6.2 4.4 4.4 6.8 4 6.8
ft, psi* 1120 830 720 860 720 650 570 530 470 640 520 420
COV, % 6.4 10.4 7.4 4.8 8 7.3 6.6 9.1 8.6 5.3 6.8 5.4
ft, psi† — — — — — — 500 490 440 530 430 380
COV, % — — — — — — 9.1 3.1 6.9 9.8 6.3 14.6
fdiagonal, psi‡ 680 560 490 560 500 370 440 420 340 460 340 270
COV, % 5.3 5.2 6.6 14.9 12.1 9.0 6.9 14.7 18.9 10.3 23.2 17.3
fr, psi‡ 790 660 600 750 640 550 570 530 510 660 510 420
COV, % 6.7 10.5 6.1 3.2 7.2 7.0 5.0 6.5 3.8 12.5 9.8 11.5
Split prism (SP), psi‡ 620 420 470 400 330 330 270 240 230 260 200 170
COV, % 16 9 22.6 14.5 27.5 15.3 26.3 20.6 26.3 22.1 23.0 23.9

, 82.5 69.8 63.8 82.4 73.2 69.0 72.0 66.3 60.0 68.0 60.1 50.6

* 13.6 11.9 11.3 10.5 9.8 9.3 7.9 8.0 7.8 9.4 8.6 8.4

† — — — — — — 6.9 7.4 7.4 7.8 7.2 7.4

‡
8.3 8.0 7.6 6.8 6.8 5.4 6.0 6.3 5.6 6.8 5.6 5.3
‡
9.5 9.5 9.5 9.1 8.7 8.0 7.9 8.0 8.5 9.7 8.4 8.3
‡
7.5 6.1 7.3 4.8 4.5 4.8 3.8 3.6 3.9 3.8 3.4 3.4
*
4 in. (102 mm) cylinder
†
6 in. (152 mm) cylinder
‡
6 in. (152 mm) prism
Note: 1 psi = 0.007 MPa; =

40 JANUARY 2016 | Ci | www.concreteinternational.com

 Flexural strength test
Flexural strength, also known as modulus of rupture, was
determined according to ASTM C78/C78M, “Standard Test
Method for Flexural Strength of Concrete (Using Simple
Beam with Third-Point Loading).” Beams were loaded to
failure using a 400 kip (1780 kN) capacity machine. Flexural
strength fr was calculated by dividing the maximum moment
(a)
by the section modulus. After finishing the flexural tests, each
(b)
beam was broken in two pieces; one half was set aside for
evaluating the splitting tensile strength of a prism.

Splitting tensile strength of prisms (split prism test)

A split prism test was completed on half of the failed beam
tests, as shown in Fig. 1(d). The method is similar to ASTM
(c) (d) C1006, “Standard Test Method for Splitting Tensile Strength
of Masonry Units,” used to evaluate the tensile strength of
Fig. 2: Setups for: (a) modified Iosipescu beam test; (b) split cylinder
masonry units. The tensile strength is calculated using Eq. (1),
test; (c) modulus of rupture beam test; and (d) split prism test
with L and D being the width and depth of the prism.

Iosipescu stresses
cylinders, Iosipescu tests of beams, split cylinder tests, Based on the recommendations of Ross,8 concrete beams
modulus of rupture tests of beams, and finally split prism tests with full 6 x 6 in. cross sections were used in the Iosipescu
of portions of previously fractured beams (Fig. 2). The tests. In these tests, no notches were created at the centerline
average strength and coefficient of variation (COV) were of the specimens. Six beams were tested for each concrete
calculated for each test type and the results were normalized
using the square root of the compressive strength obtained
from test cylinders (failure stress / ).

Test Specimens
Compressive strength
Cylinders were prepared for testing using sulfur caps and
were tested in accordance with ASTM C39/C39M, “Standard
Test Method for Compressive Strength of Cylindrical Concrete
Specimens,” using a 600 kip (2670 kN) capacity compression
testing machine with a spherical seat to determine the
compressive strength fc for each batch of concrete.

Splitting tensile strength of cylinders

(split cylinder test)
Additional cylinders were tested according to ASTM C496/
C496M, “Standard Test Method for Splitting Tensile Strength
of Cylindrical Concrete Specimens,” also using a 600 kip
capacity compression testing machine. The splitting tensile
strength ft of the concrete was calculated using Eq. (1), where
P is the failure load, L is the cylinder length, and D is the
diameter of the cylinder. To investigate specimen size effects
as a parameter for splitting tensile strength, 4 in. cylinders
were tested for each batch of concrete and 6 in. cylinders were
tested from six of the 16 mixtures. In this paper, failure
stresses obtained in split cylinder test results are termed direct
tensile strengths and are calculated using the classical elasticity
solution,9 which is also provided in ASTM C496/C946M

(1)

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 P mixture using the Iosipescu test fixture. The free body
Test fixture
diagrams of the test fixture and beam as well as the
corresponding shear and moment diagrams for the beam are
F2 shown in Fig. 3. The contact areas for the loading points,
F1
loading geometry, and methods of distributing the bearing
loads employed in this study are described in Guenther.10
The test fixture applied loads using 3/4 in. (19 mm) round
a = 1 in. 7 in. d = 6 in. load points and supports. In cases of rough concrete surfaces,
neoprene pads were placed between the concrete beam and
the loading surfaces to evenly distribute loads and to account
F2 F1 for nonparallel top and bottom surfaces. An extra round support
Test fixture was used at the upper load platen to ensure the resultant load
was applied through the centerline of each concrete specimen.
Specimens were loaded to failure using a Tinius Olsen
(a) P uniaxial test machine. The maximum load P was recorded to
the nearest 100 lb (0.4 kN). The diagonal tensile stress
Typical failure plane fdiagonal can be determined with Eq. (2), which is derived
F1 F2 from Eq. (1) using the component of the maximum load F1
applied along the diagonal failure plane between the two load
points. Using q to define the diagonal plane between the load
points (see Fig. 3(b)), the force component is F1 cos(q) and the
θ d = 6 in. area of the failure plane is wd/cos(θ), where w is the width of
the beam
F2 F1
(2)
V

Experimental Results
The results for all tests are reported in Fig. 4, Table 1, and
Table 2. Figure 4 provides each result as a normalized failure
M
stress—the ratio of the failure stress to the square root of the
(b)
compressive strength ( ). For all specimen types, the
Fig. 3: Iosipescu test: (a) free-body diagrams; and (b) loading, shear, normalized failure stress increases with compressive strength.
and moment diagrams (Note: 1 in. = 25.4 mm) Split cylinder test results for 4 in. cylinders are higher and
have more variability than split cylinder test results for 6 in.
cylinders. This is consistent with
Table 2: previous observations.11 Figure 4 also
Experimental results for Mixtures 13 through 16 shows that split cylinder test results are
Aggregate type 3/8 in. (9.5 mm) higher than Iosipescu and split prism
Mixture no. 13 14 15 16 test results. The normalized failure
stress for 6 in. Iosipescu beams was
fc, psi* 6668 6800 6210 5230
COV, % 0.79 4.3 4.5 5.2 generally between 5 and 8 (0.42 to
0.66 ) (refer to Table 2), while
ft, psi* 1034 919 872 816
COV, % 6.0 5.4 7.3 9.3
the normalized failure stress for 4 in.
beams was about 10 (0.83 ).
fdiagonal, psi† 836 828 821 683
Variability of the Iosipescu test results
COV, % 3.8 5.9 3.1 9.3
is reduced relative to the split cylinder
, 81.6 82.5 78.8 72.3 test results. For 6 in. split prism tests,
the normalized failure stress was
* 12.7 11.1 11.1 11.3 3.5 to 7.5 (0.29 to 0.62 )
† (refer to Table 1)—the lowest range of
10.2 10.0 10.4 9.4
failure ratios obtained in this study.
*
4 in. (102 mm) cylinder Ramakrishnan et al.12 and Raju and
†
4 in. (152 mm) prism Basavarajaiah13 report over 20 data
Note: 1 psi = 0.007 MPa; = points for cube tests; the normalized

42 JANUARY 2016 | Ci | www.concreteinternational.com

 Compressive strength, MPa
failure stress for these tests ranges between 4 and 6
0 7 14 21 28 34 41 48 55 (0.33 and 0.50 ).
14 1.16
ft (4 in. cylinder)
Failure of Iosipescu beams resulted in a crack along the
ft (6 in. cylinder) 1.00

Normalized failure stress, √MPa

12
Normalized failure stress, √psi

fdiagonal(4 in. beam) diagonal between the two center loading points. This crack
10 fdiagonal(6 in. beam) 0.83 pattern was consistent for all beams, but the crack surface
ft (prism) roughness changed based on aggregate size. Mixtures
8 0.66
containing 3/4 in. (19 mm) aggregate had rougher crack
6 0.50 surfaces than mixtures with other aggregates, and these
failures were more brittle than those with smaller aggregates.
4 0.33
Figure 5 shows the test results for all prismatic specimens
2 0.17 made with pea gravel, 3/8 in. aggregate, and 3/4 in. aggregate.
0
For all compressive strengths, normalized modulus of rupture
0
0 1000 2000 3000 4000 5000 6000 7000 8000 values were larger than normalized diagonal tensile strength.
Compressive strength, psi There was no clear difference in strength based on aggregate
size. In general, the overall strength of all specimens made
Fig. 4: Normalized failure stress versus compressive strength for split
cylinder, Iosipescu, and split prism tests
with 3/4 in. aggregate was greater than the strength of
specimens made with other aggregates.
Figure 6 illustrates normalized failure stresses classified by
aggregate size for the 6 in. split cylinder and Iosipescu tests.
Compressive strength, MPa
The normalized stress values for the split cylinder tests were
0 7 14 21 28 34 41 48
14 1.16 consistently greater for mixtures made with 3/4 in. aggregate
fdiagonal(gravel)
fr (gravel)
than for those made with 3/8 in. aggregate and pea gravel,
12 1.00
fdiagonal(3/8 in.) although results for pea gravel mixtures were slightly higher
Normalized failure stress, √MPa

fr (3/8 in.) than those for 3/8 in. aggregate mixtures. This size effect has
Normalized failure stress, √psi

10 0.83
fdiagonal(3/4 in.)
fr (3/4 in.)
been noted by other researchers.14 For the Iosipescu test, there
8 0.66 is no clear distinction between pea gravel and 3/8 in.
6 0.50
aggregate mixtures. Clearly, Fig. 5 and 6 show that Iosipescu
tests have lower normalized failure stress values than both the
4 0.33 modulus of rupture and splitting tensile strength tests.
2 0.17
Analytical Study
0 0 Linear elastic finite element method (FEM) models were
0 1000 2000 3000 4000 5000 6000 7000 created using COMSOL Multiphysics to investigate stresses
Compressive strength, psi in the split cylinder and Iosipescu beam tests. These were
Fig. 5: Normalized failure stress versus compressive strength for compared with solutions derived from the theory of elasticity.9
modulus of rupture and diagonal tensile strength measured in the Three-node triangular elements were used for all FEM models
Iosipescu test (Note: MoR is modulus of rupture) and the mesh was refined until the solutions converged. The

Compressive strength, MPa Compressive strength, MPa

0 7 14 21 28 34 41 48 55 0 7 14 21 28 34 41 48 55
14 1.16 14 1.16
ft (pea gravel) fdiagonal (pea gravel)
12 ft (3/8 in.) 1.00 12 fdiagonal (3/8 in.) 1.00
ft (3/4 in.) fdiagonal (3/4 in.)
Normalized failure stress, √psi

Normalized failure stress, √psi

Normalized failure stress, √MPa

Normalized failure stress, √MPa

10 0.83 10 0.83

8 0.66 8 0.66

6 0.50 6 0.50

4 0.33 4 0.33

2 0.17 2 0.17

0 0 0 0
0 1000 2000 3000 4000 5000 6000 7000 8000 0 1000 2000 3000 4000 5000 6000 7000 8000
Compressive strength, psi Compressive strength, psi
(a) (b)
Fig. 6: Normalized failure stress versus compressive strength for: (a) 6 in. split cylinder tests; and (b) Iosipescu tests

www.concreteinternational.com | Ci | JANUARY 2016 43

 concrete properties were based on a compressive strength of Split cylinder model
6800 psi (46.9 MPa) and Poison’s ratio of 0.2. Each test was Three different loading conditions were evaluated to examine
modeled as a 1 in. (25.4 mm) section, and stresses were effects on the horizontal stress distribution. Figure 7 shows the
determined for specimens subjected to applied loads of 40 kip ASTM C496/C496M testing procedure and three models for
(178 kN). applying the load: using point loads and 0.2 in. (5 mm) and 1 in.
(25.4 mm) wide distributed loads. The latter width matches
the width of the bearing strips specified in ASTM C496/C496M.
P Results are summarized in Fig. 8, with horizontal stresses
normalized to the maximum tensile stress derived from the
D theory of elasticity (refer to Eq. (1)). Results are shown along
the diameter of the cylinder aligned with the applied loads.
Tension is shown positive and compression is negative. The
maximum tensile stresses obtained in models with point loads
P
(a) (b) (c) (d) and 0.2 in. wide uniform loads were within 1% of the derived
value. The maximum tensile stress obtained in the model with
Fig. 7: Schematics of the splitting tensile strength test: (a) ASTM
1 in. wide uniform loads was about 8% below the derived value.
C496/C496M specifies that loads P are applied using nominal
1/8 x 1 in. (3 x 25 mm) plywood bearing pads; (b) one FEM model
used point loads; (c) a second FEM model used 0.2 in. (5 mm) wide
Iosipescu model
uniform loads; and (d) a third FEM model used 1 in. (25.4 mm) wide Beams were modeled with 6 in. height and geometry as
uniform loads indicated in Fig. 3. As with the split cylinder models, three
different support widths were investigated to see their effect
on the stresses: point loads, 0.2 in., and 0.75 in. (19 mm) wide
4 102 uniform loads. The location of the load or a/d value was
changed in the analysis. Shallow beams (a/d = 10) have a
Height along diameter, in.

parabolic shear stress distribution along the centerline. As the

Height along diameter, mm

3 76
loads move toward the centerline of the test beam, the stress
Distributed over 1.0 in. (25.4 mm) width distribution changes (Fig. 9). For the other extreme case
2 Distributed over 0.2 in. (5.1 mm) width 51 (a/d = 1/10), the stress distribution has distinct maximum
Point loads
values at the top and bottom of the beam as the midheight
stresses decrease. Results for other a/d values fall between the
1 25
two extremes presented previously.
The high stresses observed in the FEM have peak tensile
0 0
stresses for deep beams. If the stress distribution has a peak at
-13 -12 -11 -10 -9 -8 -7 -6 -5 -4 -3 -2 -1 0 1 2 the top and the bottom rather than in the center, the failure
Horizontal stress/(2P/πLD) loads would be lower than those for a slender beam.
Fig. 8: Horizontal stresses along diameter of split cylinder FEM Figure 10 shows the principal tensile stress surface plot and
model, normalized to 2P/πLD the direction of principal tensile stresses from the FEM
analysis of the beam specimens, along with the loading and
observed failure path. The analysis and observed failure mode
6 152
confirm the decision to eliminate the notches originally
5
proposed by Iosipescu. Finally, the calculated diagonal stress
127
at failure agrees with the principal tensile stresses from the FEM.
a/d Value
Distance along centerline, mm
Distance along centerline, in.

4 1/10 102
1/6
Discussion of Results
3
1/3
76
In the experimental testing, a specimen size effect was
1/2
10
present in the tests for splitting tensile strength of concrete. Four
2 51
in. diameter cylinders had a higher splitting tensile strength than
6 in. diameter cylinders. This was the expected result, as
1 25
concrete splitting tensile strength has been observed by others to
decrease, along with the COV, with increasing specimen size.11
0 0
In addition to the specimen size effect, an aggregate size
0 0.5 1 1.5 2 2.5 3 3.5 effect was also observed. The normalized tensile strength
2dτxy/P ( ) has been observed to increase with increasing
Fig. 9: Shear stresses along centerline of Iosipescu FEM model, aggregate size and quantity.14 In this test series, mixtures with
plotted as functions of a/d 3/4 in. maximum size aggregate exhibited greater strength

44 JANUARY 2016 | Ci | www.concreteinternational.com

than mixtures with 3/8 in. aggregates
and mixtures with pea gravel. This
size effect was visible in the failure
of specimens.
Crack paths in plain concrete may
cross through the coarse aggregate or
exist at the interface between the
concrete paste and aggregate depending
on the aggregate strength. Iosipescu
beams with 3/8 in. or pea gravel coarse
aggregate exhibited smoother crack
surfaces, while specimens with 3/4 in.
aggregates had exposed large pieces of
aggregate resulting in a rough crack
surface. Beams with 3/4 in. coarse
aggregates consistently had more brittle
failures accompanied by cracking at the
interface between the aggregate and the
paste. For a given aggregate size, the
failure surface roughness of the
Iosipescu specimen was similar to the
split cylinder or prism test specimens—
this indicates that the Iosipescu test
indirectly measures direct tension.

Conclusions
As expected, modulus of rupture
values (extreme fiber tensile stresses at
fracture) were higher than splitting
tensile strength. All tests performed in
this study show an aggregate size
effect—specimens constructed with
3/4 in. aggregate had higher strengths Fig. 10: Loading, failure path, principal tensile stress surface plot, and direction of principal
than those produced with 3/8 in. tensile stresses (stress in psi)
aggregate and those produced with pea
gravel. A specimen size effect was also
evident, as the split cylinder test exhibited higher tensile load provides good agreement with the maximum stress predicted
strength for 4 in. cylinders than 6 in. cylinders for Mixtures 7 using the theory of elasticity (Eq. (1)). For both the split
through 12. cylinder and Iosipescu tests, observed failure paths agree with
Normalized failure stresses for the Iosipescu tests finite element results, as the observed failure surfaces formed
( ) were lower than the normalized failure stresses perpendicular to the principal tensile stresses in the models.
for either the modulus of rupture test or the split cylinder tests. Based on the results of the current study, it is apparent that
The Iosipescu beam test method did, however, provide the Iosipescu test or the split prism test could be used to
consistent results and is thus a candidate as a useful standard compare the tensile capacity of various concrete mixtures. As
for predicting the direct shear strength of plain concrete. it has been previously shown,2 the Iosipescu test method can
Finite element results show that calculated diagonal tensile also be used to evaluate the contribution of external fiber-
stress along the failure plane of Iosipescu beam is very close reinforced polymer (FRP) reinforcement to shear strength.
to the maximum principal tensile stress. This also agrees with Further development is recommended.
the observed failure path in the experimental work. While the
results do show a specimen size effect, 4 x 4 in. beam References
specimens are recommended to reduce the weight of each 1. Iosipescu, N., “New Accurate Procedure for Single Shear Testing
specimen. This specimen size is appropriate for coarse of Metals,” Journal of Composite Materials, V. 2, No. 3, 1967, pp. 537-566.
aggregates up to 1 in. (25.4 mm). 2. Dolan, B.E.; Hamilton III, H.R.; and Dolan, C.W., “Strengthening
From the FEM analyses of the split cylinder tests, it was with Bonded FRP Laminate,” Concrete International, V. 20, No. 6, June
found that modeling the load using a 0.2 in. wide distributed 1998, pp. 51-55.

www.concreteinternational.com | Ci | JANUARY 2016 45

 3. Bažant, Z.P., and Pfeiffer, P.A., “Shear Fracture Tests of Concrete,” Test Specimens on Tensile Splitting Tensile Strength of Concrete: General
Materials and Structures, V. 19, 1986, pp. 111-121. Relation,” Materials and Structures, V. 35, 2002, pp. 28-34.
4. Ingraffea, A.R., and Panthaki, M.J., “Analysis of Shear Fracture 12. Ramakrishnan, V.; Ananthanarayana, Y.; and Gopal, K.C., “The
Tests of Concrete Beams,” Finite Element Analysis of Reinforced Determination of the Tensile Strength of Concrete: A Comparison of
Concrete Structures; Proceedings of the Seminar Sponsored by the Japan Different Methods,” Indian Concrete Journal, V. 41, No. 5, 1967,
Society for the Promotion of Science, 1985, pp. 151-173. pp. 202-206.
5. Arrea, M., and Ingraffea, A.R., “Mixed Mode Crack Propagation 13. Raju, N.K., and Basavarajaiah, B.S., “Experimental Investigations
in Mortar and Concrete,” Department of Structural Engineering Report on Prismatic Control Specimens for Compressive, Flexural, and Tensile
81-13, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, 1981. Strength of Concrete,” Journal of the Institution of Engineers, V. 56,
6. Biolzi, L., “Mixed Mode Fracture in Concrete Beams,” Engineering No. 3, May 1976, pp. 254-257.
Fracture Mechanics, V. 35, No. 1-3, 1990, pp. 187-193. 14. Mindess, S.; Young, J.; and Darwin, D., Concrete, second edition,
7. Hughes, T.G.; Asghari, A.; Abbas, N.K.; and Barr, B.I., “Fracture Prentice Hall, Upper Saddle River, NJ, 2003, 644 pp.
Behavior of Concrete and FRC in Tension,” Engineering Fracture
Mechanics, V. 35, No. 1-3, 1990, pp. 181-185. Note: Additional information on the ASTM standards discussed in this
8. Ross, B.E., “Analytical Modeling and Standardized Testing of article can be found at www.astm.org.
Concrete Beams with Web Bonded FRP Shear Reinforcement, MS thesis,
University of Wyoming Department of Civil and Architectural Engineering, Received and reviewed under Institute publication policies.
Laramie, WY, 2002.
9. Timoshenko, S.P., and Goodier, J. N., Theory of Elasticity, third
edition, 1970, 567 pp. Cristy Guenther Helmick is a Structural
10. Guenther, C.L., “Evaluation of Shear and Diagonal Tension in Engineer with Professional Engineering
Consultants, Wichita, KS. She received
Plain Concrete,” MS thesis, Department of Civil and Architectural Engi-
her MSCE from the University of Wyoming,
neering, July 2007, 79 pp.
Laramie, WY, in 2007. She is a licensed
11. Kadleček Sr., V.; Modrý, S.; and Kadleček Jr., V., “Size Effect of
professional engineer in Wyoming and
Kansas.

Saadet Toker-Beeson is an Assistant

Professor at the University of Texas at
DELIVERING SUSTAINABLE SOLUTIONS San Antonio College of Architecture,
Construction, and Planning. She received
her bachelor’s in architecture, and her
MSc and PhD in building science. She
After water, concrete is one of the most sustainable currently teaches graduate and under-
and widely used materials in the world. graduate Building Technology classes
focusing on structures. Her other
Fly ash plays an important role in increasing the research and coursework includes design and analysis of
sustainability of concrete. Headwaters Resources is reinforced concrete buildings, strengthening of reinforced
the nation’s leader in supplying quality fly ash. We concrete buildings, structural analysis and strengthening of historic
buildings, and structures education in architecture schools.
can help you discover how to improve the
performance of your concrete while simultaneously
Jennifer Eisenhauer Tanner, FACI, is an
improving its environmental profile. Associate Professor in the Department of
Civil and Architectural Engineering at the
Visit www.flyash.com for answers to the most University of Wyoming. She is Chair of
common questions about fly ash. You can also ACI Committee 526, Autoclaved Aerated
contact your expert Headwaters Resources Concrete, Co-Chair of ACI Subcommittee
technical support representative for advice on your 440-L, FRP-Durability, and a member of
ACI Committee 440, Fiber-Reinforced
specific sustainability opportunities.
Polymer Reinforcement. She has served
on the Masonry Standards Joint Committee
for the past 8 years. Her research interests include concrete,
masonry, materials, experimental testing, code-development,
www.flyash.com and nondestructive test methods.

46 JANUARY 2016 | Ci | www.concreteinternational.com

What’s
New
Guide to Design of Reinforced Two-Way Slab
Systems—ACI 421.3R-15 What’s January/February 2015

Coming
This guide presents analysis methods, design procedures,
slab reinforcement and detailing practices, and strength and
serviceability considerations, as well as information for the
resistance to lateral forces for slab-column frames. It also
covers the design for flexure and shear and torsion, as well as
the effect of openings. Both two-way nonprestressed slabs and Report on Flexural Live Load Distribution
post-tensioned slabs are included. Methods for Evaluating Existing Bridges—
ACI 342R-16
Order Code: 4213315.CI Report on Design and Construction of
Pages: 28 Fiber-Reinforced Precast Concrete Tunnel
Price: $76.50 (ACI members $46.00) Segments—ACI 544.7R-16
Guide for Polymer Concrete Overlays—
ACI 548.5R-16
2016 Manual of Concrete Practice

ACI University is a global, online learning resource, providing

on-demand access to a wide range of topics on concrete materials,
Certificate Programs
design, and construction, appealing to everyone from testing
technicians to practicing engineers. Certificate programs provide an in-depth course of
study and the ability to earn a credential illustrating
• Easier to access your commitment to expanding your knowledge.
• Purchase through ACI currently offers two certificate programs.
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Anchorage Design: Covers the basic design
• Available 24/7
principles for anchorage to concrete, example
• Certificate programs design problems for single anchor applications,
• Live Webinars and an understanding of post-installed anchor
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curing and protection of
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mixing, and more.

www.ACIUniversity.com
www.concreteinternational.com | Ci | JANUARY 2016 47
Effect of Low-Temperature
Installation on
Adhesive Anchors
Post-curing temperature rise is shown to improve creep behavior and bond performance

by Werner Fuchs, Jan Hofmann, and Gerrit Hülder

O
ver the past 10 years, tremendous progress has been also served as background for a prequalification test and
achieved in developing innovative adhesive anchor evaluation regime represented in the actual prequalification
systems and creating prequalification and design provisions of ICC-ES AC308. The test results clearly indicate
provisions to ensure safe post-installed connections and to that the behavior of low-temperature installation of adhesive
increase the field of safe applications for these systems. anchor products is sufficiently considered in the product
Hence, these adhesive anchor systems are frequently used for prequalification provisions now specified in the United States.
connections to concrete structures in a wide variety of
applications (Fig. 1). Introduction
The structural reliability of adhesive anchors is ensured by Adhesive anchors are versatile and are often used in
means of prequalification procedures such as ACI 355.4-111 reinforced concrete structures to connect structural and
and ICC-ES AC308,2 with the latter procedure based on ACI nonstructural components. Particularly when used for exterior
355.4-11 in combination with the design procedures given in applications, their major advantage is that the adhesive seals
ACI 318-14.3 Both prequalification procedures require reliability the borehole and prevents the penetration of moisture and
tests to check the behavior of anchors under low-temperature other destructive substances into the base material. At the
installation conditions. The provisions of ICC-ES AC308 also same time, however, adhesives can be exposed to strong
comprise a prequalification test addressing installation in cold temperature variations. This results in load and creep
weather conditions with subsequent heating on a sunny day—a resistance behaviors that differ from those of adhesive anchors
common occurrence in façade applications, for example. in indoor applications under nearly constant ambient
This article is largely based on a paper published in temperature conditions.
Beton- und Stahlbetonbau in June 20154 and presents results Therefore, temperature effects occurring during the service
of a test program developed to demonstrate the unfavorable life of adhesive anchor connections are considered in the
effects of low-temperature installation conditions and the prequalification procedures of ACI 355.4-11 and ICC-ES
susceptibility of adhesives used for post-installed adhesive AC308. The prequalification tests include short-term tests at
anchors to reduced temperature installations. This program different temperatures as well as tests under long-term load at
ambient temperature and application-related long-term
temperature. Sustained load tests at minimum temperature
were not required in the past because it was assumed, as with
polymers in general, that the tendency of adhesives to creep
decreases with temperature.
Until recently, the behavior of adhesive anchors installed in
cold concrete components was inadequately investigated. The
following sections provide background information on the
Fig. 1: Connections with an adhesive anchor system (photos courtesy of load-bearing behavior of adhesive anchors installed at low
fischerwerke, Germany) temperatures, describe corresponding tests, and report the test

48 JANUARY 2016 | Ci | www.concreteinternational.com

results. With this data, the actual prequalification procedures
for adhesive anchors are then evaluated.

Background
Today’s chemical mortars for adhesive anchor applications
are predominantly produced using thermosetting adhesives
such as vinylester (epoxy acrylate) or epoxy resins and their
corresponding hardeners. Different reaction mechanisms form
the basis of the hardening process (curing) for both types of
resin. The cure time is the time necessary to achieve the full
strength of the adhesive after completion of the mixing of (a) (b)
hardener and resin. While the curing of vinylester resins occurs
relatively quickly by means of polymerization, the reaction of Fig. 2: Schematic illustration of cross-linking between polymer
epoxy resins is based on the relatively slow polyaddition chains: (a) a completely cured resin; and (b) an incompletely cured
reaction mechanism. After curing according to the manufac- resin (based on Reference 5)
turers’ product installation instructions, epoxy and vinylester
resins are suitable for reliably, permanently transferring high
loads into concrete via the interfaces with steel elements (for T=Tg0- 50°C

Storage modulus, N/mm2

example, a threaded rod) and the borehole wall.
The mechanical characteristics of cured adhesives depend
on the degree of chemical conversion—the completeness of
the cross-linking between polymer chains—which is 2% decrease
Start of softening
influenced by the temperature conditions during the reaction
process. If the reaction process runs at low temperatures, the
degree of conversion can be expected to be lower than the Glass transition
temperature, Tg
degree of conversion of the same adhesive cured at higher
temperatures over the same time period. Due to less cross-
linking in the intermolecular network, an incomplete
conversion yields lower adhesive strength, an increased
Tg2% Tg0 Tg Temperature, °C
tendency for creep deformations, and higher sensitivity to
temperature changes. Complete conversion (cross-linking) is
Fig. 3: Determination of the softening point according to DIN 65583.6
rarely achieved under on-site conditions (refer to Fig. 2). The glass transition temperature, Tg, is established at the inflection
In general, an incomplete degree of cross-linking point in the storage modulus versus temperature curve (storage
unfavorably influences the softening behavior of an adhesive modulus is established using the elastic [in-phase] stress-strain
at high temperatures. If the chemical mortar softens as a result response from a DMA test). Tg0 and Tg2% are the temperatures at the
of high temperature, its application is limited. start of softening according to the tangent method and the 2%
The temperature associated with the strongest change in the method, respectively (based on Reference 5)
mechanical characteristics of a polymer is the material’s glass
transition temperature Tg—the temperature at which the
hardened resin transitions from a hard, glassy material to a soft, Testing Program
rubbery material. However, the beginning of softening, which Initial evaluation
is approximately 10 to 20°C (18 to 36°F) below Tg, is critical An application with adhesive anchors installed into a cold
for engineering applications. This behavior is shown in Fig. 3. concrete member and directly afterwards subjected to a
DIN 65583, a German standard developed for aerospace sustained load with increasing temperature was considered as
applications of fiber-reinforced polymer composites, suggests the critical case. This application can take place in winter or
as a limitation of use for synthetic resins the temperature at spring when façades are mounted (with a cold concrete
which the storage modulus has decreased in a dynamic- component serving as the base material and heating of the
mechanical analysis (DMA) by about 2% compared to a attachment by direct solar radiation) and, hence, was
temperature-dependent continuous decrease.6 In this manner, a simulated in experiments. For the tests, injection-type adhesive
sufficient distance from the softening point of the synthetic anchor systems based on vinylester and systems based on
resin can be maintained in practice. epoxy resin were randomly selected from the market. Both
Hence, to ensure sustained safe anchorage with post- systems showed compliance with then-existing ICC-ES
installed adhesive anchors, knowledge about the condition of AC308 through evaluation service reports (ESRs) issued by
cross-linking after installation and during loading, taking into ICC-ES. Both of the adhesive anchor systems were tested at the
account temperature effects, becomes very important. corresponding lowest permissible installation temperatures.

www.concreteinternational.com | Ci | JANUARY 2016 49

 The curing process of epoxy resins is substantially more according to ISO 11357 standards.8 The test specimens were
sensitive to the environmental temperature than the curing cured at temperatures of 5°C (40°F)—Series 1 to 3, 23°C
process of vinylesters. Hence, the results can be visualized (73°F)—Series 4, and 43°C (110°F)—Series 5, for a period of
better for the epoxy resin. Therefore, the investigations and 150 hours (Table 1). Subsequent to curing, the test specimens
results presented in the following are limited to this resin. were exposed to different temperature regimes. For Series 1,
Investigations with polymers are usually carried out with the temperature was kept constant at 5°C for 1150 hours. For
specimens of the size and geometry of standardized tensile Series 2, the temperature was initially kept constant at 5°C for
test bars according to ISO 3167.7 Nevertheless, the 150 hours and then increased to 23°C, where it remained for
experiences of the past have shown that this testing method another 1000 hours. For Series 3, the temperature was initially
does not represent conditions on site. In other words, no kept constant at 5°C for 150 hours and then increased to 43°C
results transferable to the actual use of structural adhesives for 1000 hours. For Series 4 and 5, the temperatures were kept
are achieved using this test method. The determination of constant at the level of the curing time for the whole testing
mechanical properties of structural adhesives should include period of 1222 and 1150 hours, respectively. The Tg and
the influence from the interaction of the adhesive with the conversion were measured at the end of the tests and also
concrete as well as the installation conditions. determined immediately after curing.
The conversion (degree of cure) and Tg of the epoxy mortar The influence of the degree of cure as obtained from the
used for the adhesive anchors were determined from tensile aforementioned tests on the load-bearing behavior of adhesive
test bars by means of differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) anchors in concrete with bond failure was determined by
means of confined tension tests according to ACI 355.4-11.
Table 1: The tests were carried out in low-strength dry concrete ( fc' ≈
Determination of degree of cure from epoxy resin 25 MPa [3600 psi]). An overview of the test program with
samples adhesive anchors under sustained load is provided in Table 2.
Prior to installation of the adhesive anchors, the cartridges
Installation
were conditioned to a temperature of 23°C (73°F). The
temp., °C Curing Exposure
temperatures of the concrete as well as the threaded rod were
Temp., Duration, Temp., Duration, either 5 or 23°C (40 or 73°F) at the beginning of the
Series Adhesive °C hours °C hours installation to simulate on-site conditions and the curing of the
1 23 5 150 5 1150 epoxy adhesive at these temperatures according to the
5 150 manufacturer’s product installation instructions. Immediately
2 23 5 150 after conclusion of curing, the sustained load was applied. The
23 1000
temperature was kept at the curing temperature for the
5 150
3 23 5 150 remainder of the test for Series 1 and 4, and for 150 hours for
43 1000
Series 2 and 3. After that time, a 72-hour heating-up period
4 23 23 150 23 1222 started while the load remained on the adhesive anchors. This
5 43 43 150 43 1150 72-hour period corresponds to the lower limit value of the
Note: 5°C = 40°F; 23°C = 73°F; 43°C = 110°F requirements given in References 1 and 2. The applied
sustained load remained at the elevated temperature level until
the test was completed. Refer to Table 2 for duration of the
Table 2: test for each series and Fig. 4 for the
Adhesive anchor testing temperature diagrams for Series 2 and 3.
Installation temp., °C Curing Load testing Immediately after the sustained load
period, short-term confined tests were
Concrete and Duration, Duration,
performed to determine the residual
Series Adhesive threaded rod Temp., °C hours Temp., °C hours
bond capacity of the adhesive anchor.1,2
1 23 5 5 50 5 1222
These tests served as reference tests. In
5 150 addition, short-term tests in which the
2 23 5 5 50 5 to 23* 72 cartridge, threaded rod, and concrete
23 1000 were conditioned to 43°C were carried
out at that temperature.
5 150
3 23 5 5 50 5 to 43* 72
Epoxy resin specimens
43 1000 The epoxy resin specimens were
4 23 23 23 10 23 1222 cured for 150 hours because the test
*Temperature rise program did not include a load phase of
Note: 5°C = 40°F; 23°C = 73°F; 43°C = 110°F 150 hours at low temperature.

50 JANUARY 2016 | Ci | www.concreteinternational.com

 Furthermore, because of the low thermal mass of the test coarse threads (1.75 mm pitch [0.07 in.] and 84.3 mm2
setup, a heating-up period of 72 hours (as was used in the tests [0.13 in.2] tensile stress area).
with adhesive anchors) was not necessary. The temperature The concentric position of the threaded rod in the borehole
control during the curing of the epoxy resin specimen for the was ensured by means of a centering device. The minimum
DSC measurements9 corresponded with the approach chosen required cure times were observed: 50 hours at 5°C and
for the tests with the adhesive anchors.10 10 hours at 23°C. All tests with adhesive anchors were
Figure 5 indicates that Tg rises significantly with the curing performed confined1,2 to ensure bond failure. The test setup
temperature. However, Tg increases only slightly with for the sustained load tests is shown in Fig. 7.
continued curing at the initial curing temperature. Curing at Reference tests were conducted on nine adhesive anchors
low temperatures and subsequent heating to 23 or 43°C, that were not subjected to sustained loads. All reference test
however, yields the same Tg as curing at a constant anchors were installed at a temperature of 5°C. Three anchors
temperature of 23 or 43°C. This means that the reaction were loaded to failure directly after the minimum cure time of
mechanism of the tested adhesive can be significantly
accelerated by increasing the temperature and is not
80
unfavorably influenced by a low installation temperature.
Figure 6 demonstrates that Tg rises with increasing cross- 70
linking (conversion). At a curing temperature of 43°C, Tg is
nearly independent of the curing time (Fig. 5), because after 60
150 and 1150 hours, the resin shows nearly the same 50
conversion. In principle, other epoxy resins behave similarly. Tg , °C
40
Adhesive anchors
30
Short-term tests, with three replicates in each adhesive,
served as references for the assessment of the test series with 20 Initial curing Initial curing Initial curing
adhesive anchors under sustained load described in Table 2 5°C 23°C 43°C
and Fig. 4. The reference tests were performed in concrete 10 for 150 h for 150 h for 150 h
specimens of the same production batch and under the same 0
installation conditions as the test series.10 e h h one 0h 0 h none 000 h
non 000 h 1000 1000 n 100 or 100
Adhesive anchors were installed in accordance with the o r 1 for f o r f o r f or 1
f C 3°C C C Cf
manufacturer’s product installation instructions. Using a 5°C 23° 4 2 3 ° 4 3 ° 4 3 °

rotary impact hammer drill, holes were drilled in normal- Additional curing (after initial 150 h)
weight concrete with compressive cylinder strength of about Fig. 5: Development of Tg is dependent on the curing conditions as
25 N/mm² (3600 psi). Holes were 14 mm (0.55 in.) diameter well as subsequent heating. Data are for epoxy resin samples, after
and were cleaned per the manufacturer’s instructions. The Reference 9 (Note: 5°C = 40°F; 23°C = 73°F; 43°C = 110°F)
epoxy resin mortar was then injected and steel threaded rods
were immediately inserted with an embedment depth of 80 mm
80
(3.1 in.). Rods were 12 mm (0.5 in.) in diameter, meeting ISO
898-1 Class 12.9 requirements (1220 MPa [17.7 ksi] tensile
stress, 1100 MPa [15.6 ksi] offset yield stress) and with 70

60
Tension load, % of static capacity

Series 3 specimen
Tg , °C
(after 50 hour cure at 5 ˚C)

43 temperature 50
of reference specimens

Initial adhesive x
Temperature, ˚C

temperature
100 40 Initial curing
23 Series 2 specimen
temperature temperature
55 30 5°C
Tension load 23°C
5 43°C
0 0 20
50 150 72 1000 Duration, hours 70 75 80 85 90 95 100
Degree of cross linking, %
curing sustained load
Fig. 6: Tg is a function of on the conversion (percentage of cross-
Fig. 4: Test temperatures and loading schedule for Series 2 and 3 linking) in the polymer. Here, data are for epoxy resin samples, after
(Note: 5°C = 40°F; 23°C = 73°F; 43°C = 110°F) Reference 9 (Note: 5°C = 40°F; 23°C = 73°F; 43°C = 110°F)

www.concreteinternational.com | Ci | JANUARY 2016 51

 development of the softening temperature
curing temperature

revitrification

Temperature
softening
Fig. 7: Test vitrification
setup for the
sustained load curing heating
tests with
injection-type Time
adhesive
Fig. 9: Development of the softening point as a function of the
anchors (from
timeline of the temperature during curing, after References 9 and 11
Reference 10)

subjecting anchors to temperatures above 5°C for 48 hours was

30 (4350)
not sufficient to raise Tg to the necessary level. This process is
T = 5°C (40°F) T = 23°C (73°F) T = 43°C (110°F)
25 (3625) shown schematically in Fig. 9. This behavior is also confirmed
by the temperature-dependent change of the observed failure
Bond stress, N/mm2 (psi)

20 (2900) modes. Anchors cured at 5°C for 50 hours pulled out of the
hardened adhesive. Anchors cured an additional 24 hours at an
15 (2175) average temperature of 14°C (57°F) and tested at 23°C
exhibited a combined failure of the hardened adhesive at the
10 (1450) interfaces with the threaded rod as well as at the interface with
the borehole wall. Anchors cured an additional 24 hours at an
5 (725)
average temperature of 33°C (92°F) and tested at 43°C
0 exhibited failure at the interface between the borehole wall and
0.00 0.50 1.00 0.00 0.50 1.00 0.00 0.50 1.00 the hardened adhesive, allowing the full adhesive plug to be
(0.02)(0.04) (0.02)(0.04) (0.02)(0.04)
pulled out along the borehole wall (Fig. 8).
Slip, mm (in.)
In the sustained load tests described in Table 2, each
Fig. 8: Bond-slip curves and corresponding failure modes for the adhesive anchor was subjected to a sustained tension load
three reference tests with injection-type adhesive anchors immediately after completing the curing time according to
the manufacturer’s installation instructions. During the initial
150 hours of sustained load, the specimens were maintained at
50 hours was completed. The temperature of the specimens the installation temperature. This was done to determine the
containing the remaining six anchors was increased from 5 to effects of the curing temperature on the degree of cure by
23°C over 24 hours, and three more anchors were loaded to means of any increase of displacement. Then, specific to the
failure. Finally, the temperature of the specimens containing test series, the temperature was raised to 23 or 43°C within
the remaining three anchors was increased from 23 to 43°C 72 hours, and the test continued to the end. The heating time
over 24 hours, and these anchors were loaded to failure. The corresponded to the default values given in References 1 and 2.
test results are summarized in Fig. 8. In all cases, the sustained load was 18 kN (4050 lb). This
The reference tests indicate that the stiffness of the value corresponds to the possible maximum load in service
adhesive mortar decreases with increasing test temperature and is lower than the value required in the prequalification
and that the average bond capacity is unfavorably influenced procedure.1,2 This procedure allowed checking whether the
by higher temperatures—in particular at a temperature of installation at low temperatures significantly influenced the
T = 43°C. The previously presented investigations with epoxy displacement behavior of a prequalified product already
resin specimens showed that Tg is about 70°C (160°F) if the loaded at the in-service stress level.
adhesive mortar is able to cure for at least 150 hours. The adhesive anchors installed, cured, and tested at a
Therefore, no significant reduction of the average bond consistent low temperature of 5°C, Series 1 in Table 2,
capacity should be observed in the adhesive anchors that have behaved comparably to the adhesive anchors installed, cured,
been cured for 150 hours. and tested at a consistent temperature of 23°C, Series 4 in
The test results for the reference specimens show that Table 2. Both tests showed only marginal slip increase for the

52 JANUARY 2016 | Ci | www.concreteinternational.com

 1.2 (0.047) 50 (122) 0.010 50 (122)
Temperature 45 (113) 0.009 45 (113)
1.0 (0.039)
Displacement, mm (in.)

40 (104) 0.008 Temperature 40 (104)

Creep rate, mm/hour

Temperature,°C (°F)
35 (95) 0.007 35 (95)

Temperature,°C (°F)
0.8 (0.031)
30 (86) 30 (86)
0.006
0.6 (0.024) 25 (77)
0.005 25 (77)
20 (68)
0.4 (0.016) 0.004 20 (68)
15 (59)
0.003 15 (59)
10 (50)
0.2 (0.008) 0.002 10 (50)
5 (40)
0 (32) 0.001 5 (40)
0.0
0 200 400 600 800 1000 1200 1400 0 0 (32)
Time, hours 0 200 400 600 800 1000 1200 1400
Time, hours
Fig. 10: Slip versus time curves measured in the three anchor tests
that were heated from 5 to 43°C (40 to 110°F) over 72 hours after Fig. 11: Creep rate calculated from the tests with the injection type
50 hours of curing (dotted red line) adhesive anchors depending on temperature and time, based on
Reference 12

full duration of the test. Therefore, the tested epoxy resin resulting from an elevated temperature under simultaneous
system is suitable for use in applications with sustained loads sustained load is of special interest. In the next section,
at consistently low temperature conditions. we discuss to what extent this influence is considered in
The tests listed in Series 2 and 3 of Table 2 also exhibited the prequalification procedures of ACI 355.4-11 and
no increase in displacement during the first 150 hours under ICC-ES AC308.
sustained load. After a total of 200 hours of curing (50 hours
cure time plus 150 hours under sustained load conditions), the Prequalification Procedures
temperature was raised over 72 hours to either 23 or 43°C, ACI 355.4-11 and ICC-ES AC308 require the verification
depending on the test series. In both cases, a delayed of the installation at low temperatures for adhesive anchors
displacement increase was observed. This is shown in Fig. 10 that are prequalified for installation into a concrete component
for the three specimens from Series 3 that were warmed from with a temperature below 10°C (50°F). The method of
5 to 43°C (40 to 110°F) over 72 hours. The temperature level verification depends on the minimum installation temperature
in the climate chamber during the test period is also plotted. to be reported in the evaluation service report.
With a small delay after the beginning of the heating, a
strong displacement increase starts. However, the increase Minimum installation temperature between
clearly decelerates with time because the temperature rise 5 and 10°C (40 and 50°C)
accelerates the reaction of the epoxy resin and leads to a Both prequalification procedures require that the threaded
higher degree of conversion (that is, higher strength). In Fig. 11, rod and the concrete component serving as base material are
the creep rates are plotted as a function of the time—clearly cooled to the intended minimum installation temperature. To
demonstrating this effect. After a strong increase, the speed of ensure a constant temperature distribution in the base material,
the displacement decreases rapidly. This behavior agrees with all tested components are stored at the minimum installation
the knowledge gained in the investigations with the epoxy test temperature for at least 24 hours. Then, the adhesive anchor is
specimens (Fig. 5 and 6). installed strictly according to the manufacturer’s product
After the sustained load tests, each adhesive anchor was installation instructions. At the end of the required minimum
subjected to a short-term load test to determine the residual cure time, a confined short-term test is carried out to
capacity. In all tests, the threaded rod was observed to pull out determine the bond strength. The average value and its 5%
of the chemical adhesive. The corresponding peak bond fractile obtained from these tests must conform to the values
strengths were between 29.6 and 34.5 MPa (4300 and 5000 psi). determined in reference tests performed under ambient
These results are substantially higher than the values of the temperature conditions. If these requirements are not fulfilled,
reference tests shown in Fig. 8. This is due to the post-curing the minimum installation temperature and/or the minimum
process, which allows for a higher cross-linking and cure time must be raised until the qualification is met. Then,
consequently higher capacity. The graph plotted in Fig. 6 the corresponding values are reported in the evaluation report.
indicates that a conversion of the epoxy resin of more than The creep behavior of the adhesive as a result of a
95% can be expected. temperature rise or temperature drop immediately after the
The investigations with the tested epoxy system demonstrate installation process is not checked.
that a temperature rise during the curing period as well as
the curing temperature have essential influences on the creep Minimum installation temperature lower than 5°C
behavior of fastenings with adhesive anchors. In particular, The cooling of the tested components and the installation
the interference of the post-curing reaction with the softening procedure correspond to the aforementioned test method.

www.concreteinternational.com | Ci | JANUARY 2016 53

 Immediately after the minimum cure time has passed, the Minimum installation temperature lower than 5°C
adhesive anchor is subjected to a sustained tension load in a and fast temperature rise
confined test. The level of the sustained load amounts to 55% ICC-ES AC308 requires further prequalification testing for
of the value measured in an unconfined short-term reference adhesive anchors used for applications where the temperature
test with ambient temperature. It is assumed that this value in the anchorage area can rise after low-temperature
corresponds to about 40% of the short-term bond strength of installation (for example, installation of façade assemblies in
the adhesive mortar. While the sustained load acts on the the spring, when ambient temperatures can be low but direct
adhesive anchor, the temperature is continuously increased to solar irradiation can lead to subsequent heating). It is required
standard temperature level over a period of 72 to 96 hours and for anchors prequalified for installation at low temperatures
the displacement is monitored. Finally, after the test member below 5°C (40°F) and subsequent warming within 12 hours to
has attained standard temperature, a confined tension test is 27°C (80°F) or more.
carried out to determine the residual load capacity of the This test is based on investigations on the heating behavior
adhesive anchor. Figure 12 summarizes the test procedure. of concrete as a result of solar irradiation with respect to
The average value and its 5% fractile obtained from these adhesive anchors described in Reference 13 and the results by
tests must conform to the values determined in short-term Fouad.14 Based on the analysis of meteorological data and
reference tests performed under ambient temperature temperature recordings in structures, these investigations
conditions. Furthermore, it is required that the displacements indicated a heating rate of 5 K/h (9°F/h) is appropriate. This
stabilize during the heating process to avoid failure. value is also used in the studies by Alig et al.11
The cooling of the tested components and the installation
procedure correspond to the aforementioned test methods.
Immediately after curing, the adhesive anchor is subjected in
30 (86)
residual a confined test to a sustained tension load level of 55% of the
Standard temperature load test short-term reference test result. Afterwards, the temperature
23˚C ± 4˚C (73°F ± 8°F) is raised at a rate of 5 K/h until the standard temperature
of 23°C (73°F) is reached. This temperature rise is
Temperature, ˚C (˚F)

20 (68)
application of significantly greater than the one used in the previously
sustained load described test procedure, in which the specified temperature
increases over 72 hours amount to rates of only 0.25 to 0.5 K/h
10 (50) (0.45 to 0.9°F/h).
72 to 96 hours The adhesive anchor is further loaded with the sustained
heating while under
curing sustained load load for a duration of at least 42 days (about 1000 hours). The
test procedure is summarized in Fig. 13. The measured
0
0 50 100 150 200 additional displacement compared with the sustained load test
Time, hours performed within the standard prequalification procedure with
Fig. 12: Temperature profile used for the verification of the suitability
the adhesive anchor at normal temperature is used for the
of chemical fasteners at installation temperatures T ≤ 5°C (40°F) assessment of the behavior. The total displacement extrapo-
according to ACI 355.4-11 and ICC-ES AC308 (example) lated from the sustained load tests to a duration of 50 years
shall not be allowed to exceed a limiting value developed
from the load-displacement characteristics of the short-term
30 (86)
reference tests, where the adhesive anchors failed in bond.
application of sustained load residual load test
and heating at 5K/hour
Summary
Temperature, ˚C (˚F)

The influence of a low-installation temperature on the

20 (68)
load-bearing behavior of adhesive anchors with a subsequent
heating resulting from solar irradiation, for example, as in
façade applications, has been scarcely examined up to now.
10 (50)
Investigations were carried out to establish knowledge on the
influence of low temperature and temperature change on
curing sustained load
adhesive anchor behavior. The tests were carried out with
0 prequalified adhesive anchors on the basis of vinylester and
0 50 100 ≥ 1000
Time, hours
epoxy resins in normalweight concrete. On account of the
higher susceptibility, this contribution is limited to the results
Fig. 13: Temperature profile used in ICC-ES AC308 for the verifica- identified for the tested epoxy resin. However, it is assumed
tion of the suitability of chemical fasteners at installation tempera- that these results can also be transferred to other epoxy resins
tures T ≤ 5°C (40°F) in case of fast heating-up due to solar radiation and in a clearly diminished form also on vinylesters.

54 JANUARY 2016 | Ci | www.concreteinternational.com

 The following results were found for the investigated •• The residual load tests showed higher peak loads than the
epoxy resin: short-term reference test. This demonstrates the positive
•• At low temperature, the cross-linking (conversion) is lower influence of the post-curing of the epoxy resin.
than at higher temperature;
•• A temperature rise after adhesive anchor installation at low Acknowledgments
temperature causes post-curing; The authors would like to thank the Concrete and Masonry Anchor
•• The conversion after a temperature rise can reach values Manufacturers Association (CAMA) for the financial support of these
which correspond to that of a curing at high temperatures; investigations.
•• Softening point and Tg of the tested epoxy resins were
References
shown to increase with the degree of cross-linking
(conversion); 1. ACI Committee 355, “Qualification of Post-Installed Adhesive
•• When cured at low temperatures, the failure mode of the Anchors in Concrete and Commentary (ACI 355.4-11),” American
epoxy adhesive anchor system changed in the short-term Concrete Institute, Farmington Hills, MI, 2011, 55 pp.
tests from a failure between chemical mortar and threaded 2. ICC-ES AC308, “Acceptance Criteria for Post-Installed Adhesive
rod to a rupture between chemical mortar and bore hole wall; Anchors in Concrete Elements,” International Code Council Evaluation
•• In the present tests, a reduction of the peak load was Service, Inc., Brea, CA, 2015, 67 pp.
observed due to temperature increase because the post- 3. ACI Committee 318, “Building Code Requirements for Structural
curing occurred less rapidly than the softening due to the Concrete (ACI 318-14) and Commentary (ACI 318R-14),” American
rising temperature; Concrete Institute, Farmington Hills, MI, 2014, 519 pp.
•• A sustained service load yields higher creep rates only after 4. Fuchs, W.; Hofmann, J.; and Hülder, G., “Montage bei tiefen
heating causes material softening. The post-curing initiated Temperaturen—Einfluss auf das Tragverhalten chemischer Dübel,”
by the temperature rise counteracts and leads to a reduction Beton- und Stahlbetonbau, V. 110, No. 6, June 2015, pp. 394-401.
of the creep rate; and 5. Hülder, G., “Zur Aushärtung kalthärtender Reaktionsharzsysteme

ACI PHYSICAL TESTING

OF CEMENT TRAINING VIDEO (EDPTCT13)
To supplement on-the-job training, ACI has developed the ACI Physical Testing of
Cement Training Video as a resource for new testers and a refresher for experienced
testers. The following tests are included:

ASTM C109 – Compressive Strength ASTM C191 – Vicat Time of Setting

ASTM C151 – Autoclave Expansion ASTM C204 – Blaine Fineness
ASTM C185 – Air Content ASTM C266 – Gillmore Time of Setting
ASTM C187 – Normal Consistency ASTM C1437 – Flow of Mortar

Additionally, the video includes a review of safety, equipment, and the laboratory
environment. Each chapter reviews the equipment specific to the ASTM test, the test
procedure to follow, and the calculation of the result. Helpful tips are provided throughout
to improve the technicians’ knowledge and technique.
Check out a preview clip on YouTube; search for “ACI testing cement training
preview.“

Details can be found at

www.concrete.org; search the
bookstore for “EDPTCT13.“

www.concreteinternational.com | Ci | JANUARY 2016 55

für tragende Anwendungen im Bauwesen (Curing of Cold-Curing Members due to Solar Radiation,” Report No. 01/16-2/42, Institut für
Thermoset Based Mortar Systems for Structural Applications in Civil Werkstoffe im Bauwesen, Universität Stuttgart, Germany, July 2001, 35 pp.
Engineering),” PhD thesis, Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, 14. Fouad, N.A., “Extremale Temperaturbeanspruchungen von Beton-
Germany, 2008, 115 pp. Sandwichwänden (Extreme Temperatures Acting on Concrete Sandwich
6. DIN 65583, “Bestimmung des Glasübergangs von Walls),” Ingenieur Hochbau, Berichte aus Forschung und Praxis,
Faserverbundwerkstoffen unter dynamischer Belastung (Determination Festschrift zum 60, Geburtstag von Erich Cziesielski, Werner-Verlag,
of Glass-Transition of Fiber Composites under Dynamic Excitations),” Düsseldorf, Germany, 1998, pp. 303-315.
Beuth-Verlag, Berlin, Germany, 1999, 8 pp.
7. ISO 3167, “Plastics—Multipurpose Test Specimens,” International Selected for reader interest by the editors.
Organization for Standardization, Geneva, Switzerland, 2014, 8 pp.
8. ISO 11357 Standards, ISO 11357-1:2009, “Plastics—Differential
Scanning Calorimetry (DSC), Part 1: General Principles,” 31 pp.; ISO ACI member Werner Fuchs is Director of
11357-2:2013, “Plastics—Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC), Part 2: Fastening Technology Research at the
Determination of Glass Transition Temperature and Glass Transition Step University of Stuttgart, Stuttgart, Germany
Height,” 6 pp.; ISO 11357-4:2005, “Plastics—Differential Scanning and Honorary Professor at the KIT,
Calorimetry (DSC), Part 4: Determination of Specific Heat Capacity,” 24 pp., University of Karlsruhe, Karlsruhe, Germany.
International Organization for Standardization, Geneva, Switzerland. He is a member of ACI Committees 349,
9. Hülder, G., and Drummer, D., “Determination of the Curing Concrete Nuclear Structures; 355,
Behavior,” Test Report, Lehrstuhl für Kunststofftechnik, Universität Anchorage to Concrete; Joint ACI-ASCE
Committee 408, Bond and Development
Erlangen-Nürnberg, Germany, Dec. 2010, 20 pp.
of Steel Reinforcement; and Joint ACI-CRSI Committee C680,
10. Mahrenholtz, C., and Fuchs, W., “Sustained Load Tests on
Adhesive Anchor Installer; and ACI Subcommittees 318-B,
Adhesive Anchors Subjected to Decreased Installation and Curing
Anchorage and Reinforcement; 318-L, International Liaison; and
Temperatures,” Institut für Werkstoffe im Bauwesen, Universität
C601-J, Adhesive Anchor Installation Inspector. Fuchs serves on a
Stuttgart, Germany, Test report, Dec. 2010, 98 pp.
variety of European committees responsible for the development
11. Alig, I.; Lellinger, D.; Böhm, F.; Neuerburg, R.; and Wall, F.,
of code provisions in the field of fastening technology. He received
“Curing and Performance of Adhesive Anchor Systems Installed at Low his diploma in structural engineering from the University of
Temperatures,” Understanding Adhesive Anchors: Behavior, Materials, Karlsruhe, and his PhD from the University of Stuttgart.
Installation, Design, SP-283, R. Wollmershauser and D. Meinheit, eds.,
American Concrete Institute, Farmington Hills, MI, 2012, pp. 1-14. ACI member Jan Hofmann is Head of the
12. Ortmann, P., “Untersuchungen zum Tragverhalten von Institute of Fastening and Strengthening
chemischen Befestigungsmitteln bei Montage bei tiefen Temperaturen Methods and Vice President of the testing
unter Langzeitbeanspruchung (Investigations on the Load-Bearing laboratory MPA – Otto Graf Institute at the
Behavior of Adhesive Anchors Installed at Low Temperatures University of Stuttgart. He is a member of
and Subjected to Sustained Load),” Institut für Massivbau und several national and international
Baustofftechnologie, KIT Karlsruhe, und Institut für Werkstoffe im committees dealing with fastening
Bauwesen, Universität Stuttgart, Germany, Diplomarbeit (master’s thesis), technology in concrete and masonry. He
2010, 109 pp. also works in the fields of structural gluing,
13. Hüer, T., and Fuchs, W., “Temperature Distribution in Concrete strengthening of concrete structures, and
bond of reinforcement in concrete. He received his engineer

Read Ci
diploma and PhD from the University of Stuttgart.

Gerrit Hülder is Team Leader for the

technology development for polymeric
structural materials and engineering in

online cover-to-cover
the Corporate Research department of
Robert Bosch GmbH in Renningen,
Germany. After studying mechanical
engineering at the University of
A flip-book version of the entire current issue of
Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany, he
CI is available to ACI members by logging in at
worked as Research Engineer and later
www.concreteinternational.com.
as Chief Engineer at the Institute of
Access the flip book by clicking on the cover image Polymer Technology at the University of Erlangen-Nuremberg,
on the CI website home page. Erlangen and Nuremberg, Germany. His PhD thesis dealt with
the curing behavior of cold curing resins for structural bonds in
civil engineering.

56 JANUARY 2016 | Ci | www.concreteinternational.com

Products &
Practice
Powerblanket Bulk Material Warmers/Pallet Warmers (Hot Box)
The Powerblanket® Hot Box prevents products from freezing without the risk of overheating. The Hot Box pallet warmer
can be easily assembled, disassembled, and reassembled. This makes it ideal for cold-weather storage, freeze protection,
transporting, jobsite heating, remote location use, and other heating requirements. Standard Hot Boxes hold product between
100 and 120°F (38 and 49°C) and optional adjustable thermostatic controllers allow temperatures to be controlled.
Powerblanket Pallet Warmers preserve temperature-sensitive material and heat bulk materials and palletized products such as
paint, caulk, resins, and epoxies.
—Powerblanket, www.powerblanket.com

SmartBob HM
BinMaster SmartBob HM for horizontal mount is a weight-and-cable-based level
sensor for mounting on the side of the bin, tank, or silo. It can be used when it is not
possible to install the sensor on the top of the bin. The SmartBob HM features a
rigid extension that is custom-made from 12 to 36 ft (4 to 11 m) long to install on
the side of the bin through a 4 ft (1 m) opening. Precise level measurements are
taken at pre-determined time intervals at a location directly below the probe to
continuously monitor the inventory of material inside of the bin. The SmartBob HM
level sensor works like an automated tape measure, but eliminates the need to climb bins for manual measurements.
—BinMaster, www.binmaster.com

GSSI BridgeScan
Geophysical Survey Systems, Inc.’s, BridgeScan™ is a flexible ground penetrating
radar (GPR) system for assessing concrete condition on bridge decks, parking
structures, and balconies. Users can identify the location and depth of reinforcing
bars, making BridgeScan an option for conducting bridge deck condition
assessments, determining concrete cover depth on new structures, measuring slab
thickness, and detecting/locating voids. Users can also use the unit as a basis for a
utility locating GPR system to map and locate underground infrastructure—
pinpointing the depth and position of pipes in real time. BridgeScan is tailored for
bridge condition assessment, accurately representing bridge data by automatically
accommodating for bridge skew angle.
—Geophysical Survey Systems, Inc., www.geophysical.com

Titan Block’s PaveDrain

Titan Block, a business of Titan America LLC, provided draining solutions for the City of
Melbourne, FL, when the city elected to replace a gravel parking lot on Highland Avenue with
PaveDrain™. Titan Block’s PaveDrain is a permeable articulating concrete block, which uses an
open-graded aggregate base to mitigate storm water runoff while handling heavy traffic loads. For
the City of Melbourne, the most important benefit of using the system is that polluted storm water
is diverted from flowing into the nearby Indian River Lagoon. Instead, the storm water infiltrates
through the PaveDrain system, into the aggregate base where it is cleansed naturally before
recharging the aquifer below. Also, using PaveDrain increased parking availability, because
paving the 8868 ft2 (824 m2) parking lot with traditional asphalt would have necessitated that the
city set up retention ponds or similar areas to treat runoff on the site.
—Titan America, www.titanamerica.com

www.concreteinternational.com | Ci | JANUARY 2016 57

Products & Practice

Eriez Series 7000 Suspended Electromagnet

Eriez’s® Series 7000 Suspended Electromagnet removes damaging tramp iron from materials conveyed in heavy product
flows such as rock on flat conveyors, chutes, or vibratory feeders. UL-listed construction is available on units for use in
hazardous, dusty, and gassy locations. When designed with a continuously rotating belt, these magnets are self-cleaning.
—Eriez, www.eriez.com

Consolideck First Cut

PROSOCO’s Consolideck® First Cut reduces scratches and
increases the efficiency of diamonds when wet-grinding. The
water-based preparation product also makes the wet-grinding
process go faster and saves time on subsequent steps. Using a
special blend of surfactants, First Cut pulls concrete slurry
solids away from the surface and suspends them, preventing
them from being reground into the floor. First Cut can be used
for new or existing concrete and is compatible with floors that
will be treated with Consolideck densifiers, dyes, and
protective treatments.
—PROSOCO, www.prosoco.com

Gun-Crete Mobile
Cemen Tech’s Gun-Crete Mobile is designed to produce high-quality shotcrete while
giving the user control over the consistency of concrete produced. The mixer uses a cement
metering system to mix material with precise consistency, volume, and accuracy. It uses a
24 in. (610 mm) wide conveyor belt for reliable flow of material with no bridging. The unit
also features a multi-section hydraulic pump to provide the proper amount of oil to each circuit, providing cooler operation even
in warmer conditions. Gun-Crete Mobile units have a carrying capacity of up to 12 yd3 (9 m3) and a production rate of up to
30 yd/h (27 m/h). A water system is available for users looking to mix cast-in-place concrete or shotcrete using the same piece
of equipment. Other available options include a power swivel for ease of operation and admixture dosing systems.
—Cemen Tech, www.cementech.com

EcoSol
Cortec® Corporation’s EcoSol® is a water-soluble, biodegradable, polyvinyl alcohol (PVOH) film for various packaging
applications. This film provides a convenient, safe, and economical delivery system for a wide range of products such as
detergents and cleaners, degreasers, concrete additives, pigments, biocides, water-treatment products, and agricultural products.
EcoSol film has organic solvent resistance, which allows EcoSol pouches and bags to be used for dry powders and liquid
products. Its tensile strength, tear strength, and puncture resistance are sufficient for it to be used in a wide variety of
applications. After a few minutes of immersion at the specified temperature, the film dissolves in water, leaving a nontoxic and
aqueous solution of PVOH. Once the liquid solution of PVOH comes into contact with common microorganisms, conversion to
carbon dioxide and water takes place within approximately 30 days. EcoSol bags are chemically resistant to mineral, vegetable,
and animal oils; aliphatic hydrocarbons; ethers; esters; and ketones.
—Cortec Corporation, www.cortecvci.com

58 JANUARY 2016 | Ci | www.concreteinternational.com

 Products & Practice

Web Notes

Pecora App Provides Help with Material Estimating

Pecora Corporation launched a Sealants and Coatings Calculator App. This estimating tool has been
on Pecora’s website and has expanded to be available for use on mobile devices. The app allows users
to estimate the amount of sealant or coating needed for projects. The information can be saved in the
My Projects section of the app, which allows users to review past information. Also, the job data can be
sent by e-mail or text message. The calculator is available to download for free on the App Store or
Google Play.
—Pecora Corporation, www.pecora.com

Book Notes

Science and Technology of Concrete Admixtures

Science and Technology of Concrete Admixtures, edited by ACI Honorary Member Pierre-Claude Aïtcin and ACI member
Robert J. Flatt, presents admixtures from both a theoretical and practical point-of-view. The authors emphasize key concepts
that can be used to better understand the working mechanisms of these products by presenting an overview on the fundamental
behavior of portland cement and hydraulic binders as well as their chemical admixtures. It also discusses recent effects in
concrete in terms of rheology, mechanics, durability, and sustainability, while not forgetting the fundamental role played by the
water-binder ratio and proper curing in concrete technology. Part One presents basic knowledge on portland cement and
concrete, while Part Two deals with the chemical and physical background needed to better understand the chemistry of
admixtures and the mechanism behind their effects on the properties of the fresh and hardened concrete. Subsequent sections
present discussions on admixture technologies, self-consolidating concrete, and ultra-high-strength concretes, with final
remarks on their future.
—Research and Markets, www.researchandmarkets.com
Price: $228; 666 pp.; IBAN: IE78ULSB98533083313083

Products&Service
Literature&Videos
W. R. MEADOWS “Detailing Air Barriers” Online AIA-
Accredited Course
W. R. MEADOWS® provides 10 courses via the AEC Daily website. The
courses teach aspects of different elements, such as building envelope,
dampproofing, and concrete restoration, and they count toward AIA credit.
“Detailing Air Barriers” is the latest installment. The 1-hour-long course
focuses on specific techniques for installing different types of air barrier
materials. It covers tricky details including rough openings, roof-to-wall
connections, and joints between different building materials. This program is
registered with the AIA/CES for continuing professional education and meets
state professional licensing requirements for training related to health, safety,
and welfare. The course earns one learning unit.
—W. R. MEADOWS, www.wrmeadows.com

www.concreteinternational.com | Ci | JANUARY 2016 59

Product
Showcase
Admixtures
MetaMax
MetaMax® is a high-reactivity metakaolin pozzolan produced by thermal activation of high-purity kaolin clay. The
pozzolan reacts with free lime produced during hydration of cement and creates additional cementitious material,
enhancing the strength, durability, and resistance to chemical attack of portland cement-based products and concrete.
MetaMax is not a by-product but is manufactured to exact specifications to maintain high whiteness, high reactivity,
ultrafine particle size distribution, and consistency. It meets the specifications of ASTM C618 Class N pozzolans.
—BASF Kaolin, www.kaolin.basf.com

Hycrete Admixture
KALMATRON KF-A Hycrete, Inc.’s, admixture was used in the rehabilitation of
KALMATRON® KF-A is a powdered concrete Bridge V-39 in Sussex County, NJ. Since the bridge’s
admixture that reduces the size of cement particles construction in 1968, it had been exposed to roadways salts
during hydration from 100 to 10 μm and increases the that caused severe deterioration over time. Using Hycrete’s
volume of cement paste in the mixture. Therefore, it hydrophobic, permeability-reducing admixtures will extend
works as a water reducer and workability enhancer. Bridge V-39’s service life by 66% and will also save the
It also improves concrete strength gain, helps to reduce county more than 50% of the cost of building a new bridge
shrinkage and permeability, and hence increases deck on an annualized basis. Based on results of independent
corrosion resistance. testing, Hycrete admixture reduces chloride diffusion and
—KALMATRON, www.kalmatron.com extends the concrete life.
—Hycrete, Inc., www.hycrete.com

Krystol Repair Grout

Kryton International, Inc.’s, Krystol Repair Grout™ is part of a crystalline repair system
for stopping leaks through cracks, holes, and joints in concrete. The repair grout contains
Kryton’s crystalline dampproofing technology. As part of the system, Krystol Repair Grout
allows reliable repairs to be made from the negative side. It is non-shrink and highly resistant
to cracking. Krystol Repair Grout is fully compatible with Kryton’s Krystol Internal
Membrane™ (KIM®) system.
—Kryton International, Inc., www.kryton.com

EucoRepair V100
Euclid Chemical’s EucoRepair V100 is a single-component, very-low-
shrinkage concrete repair mortar for vertical and overhead applications
that require superior performance and durability. Reinforced with
microfiber and polymer additives for enhanced resiliency, EucoRepair
V100 also has excellent freezing-and-thawing resistance and fights
corrosion with integral inhibitors and a low-permeability design. Easy to
mix and place, EucoRepair V100 sets quickly and can be trowelled
smooth or shaved to conform to the shape of the surrounding concrete.
EucoRepair V100 can be used for projects such as building façades,
parking structures, industrial plants, and bridges.
—Euclid Chemical, www.euclidchemical.com

60 JANUARY 2016 | Ci | www.concreteinternational.com

 Product Showcase

PENETRON ADMIX PLASMA

The Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT) is Laticrete’s PLASMA is a crack-resistant tile and
working to reduce noise pollution by constructing numerous stone grout that does not require sealing. It provides
sound walls along the state’s major highways. Most of the early strength development, easy workability, and stain
sound walls have been constructed using concrete resistance that inhibits the growth of stain-causing mold
incorporating PENETRON ADMIX®, a dampproofing and mildew in grout joints. PLASMA also provides a
admixture that allows the application of aesthetic coatings to uniform color with no blotchiness or shading and
the finished walls. Recent tests have shown that the admixture contains a non-yellowing UV-stable formula allowing
significantly enhances the resistance of concrete to chloride for easy maintenance. It can be used in most grout joint
penetration. Using the apparent chloride diffusion coefficient applications between 1/16 to 1/2 in. (1.6 to 13 mm) wide
determined per ASTM C1556, the lifespan of treated and for re-grouting applications and provides a non-sag
concrete is estimated to be 40 to 60 years greater than that formula for walls and floors.
of untreated concrete. —LATICRETE International, Inc., www. laticrete.com
—PENETRON, www.penetron.com

FREE Education Resources

Online Education Presentations Documents
Browse from a large selection of recorded Visit the ACI Store at www.concrete.org/store and
presentations from ACI Conventions and other download free documents from ACI’s Educational
concrete industry events available for viewing Committees.
online.
These documents,
Presentations are www.concrete.org/education available in digital
also available on editions, cover:
ACI’s YouTube
Concrete Channel •• Materials
•• Design examples for
concrete structures
•• Repair application
rocedure

www.ACIUniversity.com
www.concreteinternational.com | Ci | JANUARY 2016 61
Industry
Focus
Blastrac NA Further Investment Technology. Designers use the software to conduct life cycle
Blastrac® NA added a high-tech press brake to its assessments of the environmental effects of a reference building
manufacturing operations. This new press brake has a bending and the proposed building. The Athena software can be
capacity of 250 tons (227 tonnes) up to 10 ft (3 m) in width. downloaded at www.athenasmi.org. The NRMCA EPD and
It uses a Computer Numerical Control (CNC) backstop, quick- Benchmark reports can be downloaded at www.nrmca.org/
change tooling, and material specification control for precise and Sustainability/EPDProgram.
repeatable angle control in a variety of material types. This
technology increases productivity and quality of fabricated parts. Robins & Morton Celebrate Topping Out at
Nicklaus Children’s Hospital
V2 Composites Receives ICC Certification for Construction Manager Robins & Morton celebrated the
StructureWrap System topping out of Nicklaus Children’s Hospital’s Advanced
V2 Composites’ StructureWrap™ fiber-reinforced polymer Pediatric Care Pavilion, Miami, FL, on August 26, 2015. Various
(FRP) system for structural strengthening of concrete was stakeholders attended the afternoon ceremony hosted at the
certified by the International Code Council Evaluation Services project site. Prior to the event, the hospital’s employees were
(ICC-ES), a subsidiary of the ICC, as meeting building code invited to sign the final structural beam before it was hoisted
requirements. The certification provides a basis to use or approve into place. Each signature symbolizes support and contributions
the StructureWrap system in construction projects under the to the organization and project. This six-story pavilion will
International Building Code. ICC-ES examined V2’s product allow the hospital to relocate the existing cardiac intensive
information, test reports, calculations, quality control methods, care unit, neonatal intensive care unit, and pediatric intensive
and other factors to ensure the product is code compliant. care unit into a new, 200,000 ft2 (60,000 m2) facility. The
pavilion is slated for completion in the fourth quarter of 2016.
Athena Impact Estimator Software
Incorporates Environmental Data for Concrete Apex Fastening Tools Expands Product Line
The Athena Sustainable Materials Institute launched the latest Apex Fastening Tools, a division of Apex Tool Group,
version of its Impact Estimator for Buildings software (IE for LLC, announced the expansion of its fastening tools and
Buildings) with current environmental impact data for concrete accessories lines for users in light industrial and maintenance/
and cement. The software complies with the U.S. Green repair applications. Tools are machined from high-grade alloy
Building Council’s LEED v4 technical requirements. Various steel and heat treated to provide long-lasting durability. The
other standards, including the GreenGlobes, the International Apex Geta line includes a wide variety of screwdriver bits, bit
Green Construction Code (IgCC), and CALGreen also recognize holders, nutsetters, and sockets available in various sizes and
the Impact Estimator. The National Ready Mixed Concrete dimensions, including: Torx®, Phillips, Square, Torq-Set, and
Association (NRMCA), along with the Portland Cement Slotted insert and power screwdriver bits; magnetic bit holders;
Association (PCA), commissioned Athena to include the most magnetic sockets; and extensions.
recent impact data. In addition to the Environmental Product
Declaration and benchmark report for concrete, the new release Snohomish County Public Works and WSDOT
of IE for Buildings includes a tutorial on how to define a custom Awarded 2015 National APWA Public Works
product and an updated cement profile based on research from Projects of the Year Award
the Concrete Sustainability Hub at the Massachusetts Institute of The national American Public Works Association (APWA)
honored Snohomish County Public Works and Washington
State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) for the

Upcoming Themes
response and repair following the State Route 530 (SR 530)
landslide with the 2015 Project of the Year award. The effort
was led by the two agencies, and was recognized in the
February—Infrastructure Disaster or Emergency Construction/Repair category in the
March—Decorative & Architectural Concrete $25 million to $75 million division. APWA also presented the
April—Repair Systems & Tools award to the primary contractors and consultants that assisted
in the project. This includes AECOM, Guy F. Atkinson
For advertising details, contact Meredith Schwartz
Phone +1.410.584.8487 Construction, BCI Contracting, Environmental Science
e-mail: [email protected] Associates, Granite Construction, IMCO General
Construction, Jacobs Engineering, and URS.

62 JANUARY 2016 | Ci | www.concreteinternational.com

Sinopsis en español

Concreto de cemento de escoria activado alcalinamente En el estudio se compararon los resultados de ensayos de
resistencia a la tracción por flexión y hendimiento con los
Thomas, R.J.; Ye, H.; Radlińska, A.; and Peethamparan, S., datos obtenidos usando el ensayo de la viga de Iosipescu. De
Concrete International, V. 38, No. 1, enero de 2016, acuerdo con la investigación, se determinó que las trayectorias
págs. 33-38 de las fallas observadas en los cilindros de fractura y de los
ensayos de Iosipescu están de acuerdo con los resultados
Recientemente el concreto de cemento de escoria activado de los análisis del elemento finito, el cuál muestra que las
alcalinamente ha atraído interés debido a su bajo impacto superficies de falla son perpendiculares a los esfuerzos de
sobre el medio ambiente. Este aglomerante ha presentado tracción principales en las vigas.
excelente resistencia y durabilidad mecánica, pero algunas
mezclas han demostrado cortos tiempos de fraguado inicial Efecto de la instalación a baja temperatura sobre los
o una retracción excesiva. En este artículo se estudia la anclajes adhesivos
hidratación del concreto de cemento de escoria activado
alcalinamente y la formación del producto en comparación Fuchs, W.; Hofmann, J.; and Hülder, G., Concrete
con el cemento portland, las propiedades mecánicas y la International, V. 38, No. 1, enero de 2016, págs. 48-56
durabilidad, así como el potencial para el uso práctico en
proyectos actuales de construcción. Hasta hace poco tiempo, el comportamiento de los anclajes
adhesivos instalados en componentes de concreto en frío
Evaluación de la tracción cortante y en diagonal en había sido inadecuadamente investigado. El artículo presenta
concreto simple información de fondo sobre el comportamiento portador
de cargas de los anclajes adhesivos instalados a bajas
Guenther-Helmick, C.L.; Toker-Beeson, S.; and temperaturas, describe los ensayos correspondientes e informa
Eisenhauer Tanner, J., Concrete International, V. 38, No. 1, los resultados de los ensayos. Los resultados indican que el
enero de 2016, págs. 39-46 comportamiento en cuanto a la instalación a baja temperatura
de los productos para anclaje adhesivo está considerado
Se efectuó trabajo experimental y analítico para investigar (la suficientemente en las disposiciones especificadas al presente
adecuación de) el ensayo Iosipescu como medio para medir en los Estados Unidos en cuanto a la preselección del
la capacidad de tracción de diversas mezclas de concreto. producto. 

Public
Discussion
ACI draft standards open for public discussion that are being processed through ACI’s
ANSI-approved standardization procedures can be found at www.concrete.org/discussion.

www.concreteinternational.com | Ci | JANUARY 2016 63

Meetings
JANUARY 2016 MARCH

10-14 - 2016 TRB Annual Meeting, Washington, DC 3-5 - The Precast Show 2016, Nashville, TN
www.trb.org/AnnualMeeting/AnnualMeeting.aspx http://precast.org/theprecastshow

11-15 - Building Innovation 2016 Conference & Expo, 7-8 - New York Build 2016, New York City, NY
Washington, DC www.newyorkbuildexpo.com
www.nibs.org/?page=conference2016
7-8 - RILEM Spring Meetings, Paris, France
19-21 - 2016 NAHB International Builders’ Show, www.rilem.org/gene/main.php?base=600040#next_889
Las Vegas, NV
www.buildersshow.com/Home 9-10 - FRC-CREEP 2016, Valencia, Spain
www.frc-creep-2016.webs.upv.es
27-29 - Advances in Cement and Concrete Technology in
Africa 2016, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania 10-11 - Sydney Build 2016, Sydney, Australia
www.accta2016.com www.sydneybuildexpo.com

JANUARY/FEBRUARY 16-18 - ICRI 2016 Spring Convention, San Juan, PR

www.icri.org/Events/eventscalendar.asp
31-5 - 2016 Mason Contractors Association of America
Convention, Las Vegas, NV 17-18 - 1st International Conference on Grand
www.masoncontractors.org/convention Challenges in Construction Materials (IGCMAT 2016),
Los Angeles, CA
FEBRUARY www.igcmat.com

1 - International Concrete Polishing & Staining Conference, 21-24 - 2016 National Hurricane Conference, Orlando, FL
Las Vegas, NV http://hurricanemeeting.com
www.icpsc365.com
28-30 - ACI-KC 4th International Conference and
1-5 - World of Concrete 2016, Las Vegas, NV Exhibition, Kuwait
www.worldofconcrete.com http://aci-kw.org/news_ACI_4th_conference.htm

21-25 - 2016 ICPI Annual Meeting, Orlando, FL

www.icpi.org/node/4859

24-25 - 2016 ICON-Xchange, Orlando, FL

http://iconxchange.org/2016
Ci See the events calendar at
www.concreteinternational.com for more listings

THE CONCRETE CONVENTION AND EXPOSITION: FUTURE DATES

2016 — April 17-21, Hyatt & Frontier Airlines Center, Milwaukee, WI
2016 — October 23-27, Marriott Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA
2017 — March 26-30, Detroit Marriott at the Renaissance Center, Detroit, MI
2017 — October 15-19, Disneyland Hotel, Anaheim, CA
For additional information, contact:
Event Services, ACI, 38800 Country Club Drive, Farmington Hills, MI 48331
Telephone: +1.248.848.3795 • E-mail: [email protected]

64 JANUARY 2016 | Ci | www.concreteinternational.com

 Bookshelf
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 AVAILABLE NOW
Reinforced Concrete Design Handbook –
SP-17 (14) – 2-Volume Set (Member Design and Special Topics)
The Reinforced Concrete Design Handbook two-volume set is a companion to
ACI 318-14. It provides assistance in the design of reinforced concrete buildings
and related structures. The handbook includes an overview chapter
on reinforced concrete structural systems, a chapter on the different
analysis procedures addressed in the Code, and a chapter on
durability of concrete. It contains dozens of design examples of
various reinforced concrete members, such as one- and two-way
slabs, beams, columns, walls, diaphragms, and footings. It also
contains special topics with numerous solved examples, including
retaining walls, deflection, strut-and-tie model, and anchoring
to concrete. Each example starts with a problem statement,
then provides a design solution in a three-column format—code
provision reference, short discussion, and design calculations—
followed by detailing the member, and finally a conclusion
elaborating on a certain condition or comparing results of similar
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To learn more or to order ACI 318-14 and the resources provisions. Get your digital or printed
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+1.248.848.3800 | www.concrete.org | #ACI318 |

Chapter
Reports
Concrete Cares Donates to Local Chapter average of three 4 x 8 in. [100 x 200 mm] concrete cylinders)
Family in Colorado closest to but not less than 3000 psi (21 MPa). This year’s
ACI Vice President Michael Schneider presented a $3000 winners were Carl Lemieux, CEMEX Construction Materials,
check at the President’s Reception on November 11, 2015, to Inc., first place; BTL Engineering, second place; and University
Chris and Vickie Sullivan, who represented the Rocky of Central Florida – ACI Student Chapter, third place.
Mountain Chapter – ACI, to benefit the Smartz family. Following the competition and lunch, the attendees were
The check comprised the proceeds raised by Concrete given a guided tour of the CEMEX cement chemistry and
Cares during The ACI Concrete Convention and Exposition in concrete labs, one of the most renowned labs in the southeastern
Denver, CO, from selling t-shirts and heart-shaped concrete United States. Wayne Demarco is the Concrete Lab Manager
necklaces, and donations. “We are not going to beat cancer and answered questions from the group.
like this, but by the time I die and they throw a shovel on me,
we’re going to give it a bloody nose!” said Mike Murray, Italy PhD Student Award Competition
FACI, liaison for Concrete Cares and Owner of Mike Murray The Italy Chapter – ACI and Federbeton (Italian Association
Concrete Solutions, Inc. of Cement Producers) organized the first PhD Student Award
Concrete Cares is a group of volunteers focused on fighting Competition, with awards presented at SAIE Bologna, Italy,
cancer on a local level. The nonprofit organization hosts on October 23, 2014. Members of the Scientific Committee
fundraising events in communities across the United States. included Pietro G. Gambarova, Coordinator, Italy Chapter – ACI;
Their aim is to make a difference in the local community by Liberato Ferrara; Ezio Giuriani; and Franco Mola.
enabling friends, relatives, and families to join the fight to The committee received 27 summaries of PhD dissertations
provide support for those stricken with cancer. Several ACI defended in the period from 2012 to 2014, coming from
chapters, including the Nebraska, Kansas, Arkansas, Carolinas, 16 Italian universities. The dissertations focused on materials
Iowa, and New Mexico Chapters, have already established as well as reinforced and prestressed concrete structures.
partnerships to funnel donations to Concrete Cares. The summaries were collected, organized by subject matter,
The next appearance by Concrete Cares will take place during and published in Innovation in Concrete Structures and
World of Concrete in Las Vegas, NV, February 2-5, 2016. Cementitious Materials, edited by Pietro G. Gambarova,
Italy Chapter – ACI Director, and Roberto Realfonzo, Italy
Florida Suncoast Chapter – ACI Field Trip Chapter – ACI President.
and Competition The Scientific Committee conferred three awards, with a
Members and guests of the Florida Suncoast Chapter – ACI prize of €1000 for each winner:
met at the CEMEX Technical Service Center in Riverview, FL,
to participate in a concrete cylinder compressive strength
•• Antonio Caggiano, “Meso-Mechanical Analysis of Steel
Fiber-Reinforced Cementitious Composites”;
competition on November 12, 2015. The competition has
become an annual event with good participation. Prizes were
•• Antonella D’Alessandro, “The Use of Nanotechnologies
for the Production of Strain-Sensitive Cementitious
awarded to first, second, and third place for a result (an Materials”; and
•• Francesco Lo Monte, “Reinforced Concrete in Fire: from
Materials Behavior to Spalling Sensitivity and Structural
Modelling.”

Concrete Cares raised $3000 from donations at The Concrete Florida Suncoast Chapter – ACI cylinder compressive strength
Convention and Exposition in Denver, CO competition

www.concreteinternational.com | Ci | JANUARY 2016 67

Chapter Reports

Award presentations for the Italy Chapter – ACI and Federbeton PhD Student Competition

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immediately!

ACI’s Online Bookstore—

it’s always open!
www.concrete.org

68 JANUARY 2016 | Ci | www.concreteinternational.com

 Chapter Reports

The Scientific Committee also

conferred special mentions to Dario De
Domenico, Manuel Quagliaroli,
Michele Palermo, Chiara Rossino, and
Giuseppe Sciumè.
In 2016, the Italy Chapter – ACI will
organize the second edition of the PhD
Student Award.

50 Years in the Industry for

the British Columbia
Chapter – ACI
The British Columbia Chapter – ACI
celebrated its 50th anniversary on
November 17, 2015. To mark the
occasion, the chapter invited many of
the Past Presidents to attend as guests of
honor. As shown in the photo, from left Celebrating the 50th anniversary of the British Columbia Chapter – ACI
to right, they included: Scott Cumming
(2014-2015), Bill Gerry (2001), Mike
Meacher (2008-2009), Robert Gray (1982 and 1998-1999),
Oon Soo Ooi (2010-2011), Richard Atkinson (1992), Secretary/
Treasurer Darlene Lane (1986-present), Richard Frost (1988),
Jim Neill (1990), Kathleen Kompauer (1991), Pat McGrath (2000),
Roger Barker (1987), and Kyle Gilmour (2012-2013).
The British Columbia Chapter – ACI nominated the Mission
Bridge, located in Abbotsford, BC, Canada, for the 2015 ACI
Excellence in Concrete Construction Awards Program. The project
was awarded first place in the Repair and Restoration category.

San Diego Chapter – ACI hosts Golf and Grand

Pour Events
On October 19, 2015, the San Diego Chapter – ACI hosted its
The San Diego Chapter – ACI annual golf outing
annual golf outing. For the first time in the chapter’s history, the event
sold out with over 152 golfers and 10 vendors. The golf outing was a
huge success. Each year, the chapter donates the proceeds from the
event to a local organization. Habitat for Humanity was the charity of
choice for 2015. The chapter received an overwhelming response
from the golfers, raising over $2000. The San Diego Chapter – ACI
also made two contributions to San Diego State University and
University of California, San Diego Concrete Canoe Teams.
In November, the chapter welcomed Steven J. Lode, CalPortland
Materials Group, and Boris Stein, Twining, Inc., to present on the
topic, “Mass Concrete – Can You Handle the Heat?” The two-part
program provided an overview of “Guide to Mass Concrete (ACI
207.R-05)” and a presentation on “The Grand Pour,” a Guinness
World Record placement of 21,200 yd3 (16,200 m3) in downtown
Los Angeles, CA, for the Wilshire Grand Hotel.
For more information about the San Diego Chapter – ACI, visit A donation to Habitat for Humanity was made by the
www.aci-sandiego.org. San Diego Chapter – ACI

www.concreteinternational.com | Ci | JANUARY 2016 69

2016 ACI Membership Application
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Concrete
Q&A
Concrete Cover for Unbonded Tendons

Q.
I have a question regarding tolerances for concrete ACI 301-10 also refers to ACI 117.
cover for unbonded tendons in post-tensioned ACI 117-10 states in Section 2.2.2 that the concrete cover
concrete. Section 9.3.5.5.f of ACI 301-101 states: tolerance in member depths 12 in. (305 mm) or less is –3/8 in.
“Unless otherwise specified, concrete cover for the tendon (–10 mm), and –1/2 in. (–13 mm) in member depths over 12 in.,
end from the exterior edge of the concrete shall not be less but the cover reduction may not exceed 1/3 of the specified
than 3/4 in. for nonaggressive environments and 1 in. to the cover or 1/4 in. (6 mm) to formed soffits. Although not
encapsulating device for aggressive environments.” Section explicitly stated, this section also applies to post-tensioning.
9.3.6.2 of ACI 301-10 also states the following regarding PTI M10.2-00 states in Section 3.2.1.3: “Deviations from
tendon tolerances: “Place tendons and anchorages within the tendon design profile shall be a maximum of 1/4 in. for
tolerances of ACI 117 for reinforcement placement, distance member depths less than or equal to 8 in.; 3/8 in. for member
between reinforcement, and concrete cover.” However, depths over 8 in. but less than 2 ft; and 1/2 in. for member
ACI 117-102 does not appear to include any tolerances for the depths over 2 ft” (Note: 8 in. = 203 mm; 2 ft = 0.61 m).
concrete cover for tendon ends in unbonded post-tensioning Corrosion protection of the anchorage is specified by the
systems. Are there any such tolerances? Is there a separate concrete cover and its tolerances. The most significant
concrete cover requirement for unbonded post-tensioned protection measure, however, is the new requirement of
tendon ends that are angled at 45 degrees to the horizontal? ACI 423.7-145 (Section 6.5) for encapsulation of all unbonded
I’m afraid that the stressing pocket might hold water if the single strand tendons in structures designed in accordance
building cladding allows moisture to penetrate to the slab edge. with ACI 318 or ACI 350, regardless of exposure or
environment. Concrete cover is measured from the

A.
This question touches on several issues that need encapsulation component closest to the exterior edge of
to be addressed separately: concrete cover, concrete, including angled edges.
tolerances for concrete cover, and corrosion
protection of unbonded tendon anchorage. References
Concrete cover is specified in ACI 318 and ACI 301. 1. ACI Committee 301, “Specification for Structural Concrete
ACI 318-143 states in Section 20.6.1.3.2: “Cast-in-place (ACI 301-10),” American Concrete Institute, Farmington Hills, MI,
prestressed concrete members shall have specified concrete 2010, 77 pp.
cover for reinforcement, ducts, and end fittings at least that 2. ACI Committee 117, “Specification for Tolerances for Concrete
given in Table 20.6.1.3.2.” If not exposed to weather Construction and Materials (ACI 117-10) and Commentary (ACI 117R-10),
(nonaggressive environments), this would be 3/4 in. (19 mm) Reapproved 2015,” American Concrete Institute, Farmington Hills, MI,
for slab and 1-1/2 in. (38 mm) for beam post-tensioning. If 2010, 76 pp.
exposed to weather (aggressive environments), this would be 3. ACI Committee 318, “Building Code Requirements for Structural
1 in. (25 mm) for slab and 1-1/2 in. for beam post-tensioning. Concrete (ACI 318-14) and Commentary (ACI 318R-14),” American
ACI 301-10 states in Section 3.3.2.3: “Unless otherwise Concrete Institute, Farmington Hills, MI, 2014, 519 pp.
specified, concrete cover for reinforcement shall conform to 4. PTI M10.2-00, “Specification for Unbonded Single Strand Tendons,”
Table 3.3.2.3.” These are the same concrete cover require- Post-Tensioning Institute, Farmington Hills, MI, 2000, 36 pp.
ments as in ACI 318-14. ACI 301-10 also states in Section 5. ACI Committee 423, “Specification for Unbonded Single-Strand
9.3.5.5.c: “Top, bottom, and edge concrete cover for anchorages Tendon Materials (ACI 423.7-14),” American Concrete Institute,
shall not be less than specified cover to reinforcement. Unless Farmington Hills, MI, 2014, 8 pp.
otherwise specified, concrete cover from exterior edge of
concrete to wedge cavity area of anchor shall be 1-1/2 in. for Thanks to the Post-Tensioning Institute (PTI) staff for providing the
nonaggressive environments and 2 in. for aggressive environ- answer. PTI provides in-depth resources for post-tensioned prestressed
ments” (2 in. = 51 mm). This last requirement refers to the concrete. For more information, visit www.post-tensioning.org.
depth of the stressing pocket (pocket former size).
Tolerances for concrete cover are specified in ACI 301-10
by reference to ACI 117-10. In addition, PTI M10.2-004 Questions in this column were asked by users of ACI documents and have
provides further tolerances for the tendon profile. ACI 301-10 been answered by ACI staff or by a member or members of ACI technical
committees. The answers do not represent the official position of an ACI
states in Section 3.3.2.3: “Concrete cover tolerances shall committee. Comments should be sent to [email protected].
comply with ACI 117.” As you indicate, Section 9.3.6.2 of

72 JANUARY 2016 | Ci | www.concreteinternational.com

 Spring 2016 | Milwaukee

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and Exposition

April 17-21, 2016

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