Freeze-thaw resisting concrete - its achievement in the UK

While traditional, partly prescriptive, methods of specifying for freeze-thaw resistance have been largely successful, it does not follow that they are necessarily economic or appropriate for today. Economic pressure from many sources requires consideration and development of performance-based specifications. This guide provides recommendations for the design, specification, production, workmanship and maintenance of concrete to achieve freeze-thaw resistance under environmental conditions in the UK. It includes descriptions of the principal mechanisms of freeze-thaw action and the four types of resulting damage. This guide also examines performance tests and their relevance to design. Improving freeze-thaw resisting concrete in the UK is aimed at supervising engineers involved in design, specification and construction of reinforced or prestressed concrete and concrete and component materials suppliers.