Durability Studies at the Portland Cement Association

Durability studies at the Portland Cement Association (PCA) over the years have included both laboratory accelerated tests and field exposure to service conditions in a variety of environments. Laboratory accelerated tests have included: freezing and thawing in water; resistance to application of deicing chemicals during exposure to freezing and thawing; resistance to aggressive chemicals such as sulfates; alkali-aggregate reactions; and corrosion of reinforcing steel. Field exposures have included: full-scale concrete pavements subjected to traffic and exposed to severe weather and deicers; simulated bridge-deck sections in outdoor exposure; concretes in sulfate soils; and concrete piles and other specimens in seawater. Some highlights of these studies are presented.