The simple volume of permeable voids (VPV) test method AS 1012.21 has demonstrated its ability to rank the durability performance of various concretes, by its sensitivity to such major influencing factors as water/cementitious material (W/C) ratio, water content, type and adequacy of vibration and compaction, cementitious material type and content, concrete grade and strength, curing regimes, evaporative moisture losses, shrinkage effects, on-site temperature conditions, the age of the concrete tested and of course the pore system or microstructure of concrete. The method has proven itself to be a very useful tool for both end performance assessment as required by specifications and quality control in terms of the manufacture of concrete with particular emphasis on the control of the total water in the actual concrete mix. The paper introduces the principles underpinning the VPV durability test method and highlights its advantages over other durability test methods. The report discusses its repeatability and reproducibility and presents the benefits of its introduction into the VicRoads structural concrete specification. Finally the paper recommends that the VPV test method AS 1012.21 is the most appropriate durability test method available to ensure the long term performance and durability of concrete structures requiring 100 year service life. (a) For the covering entry of this conference, please see ITRD abstract no. E217099.
Samenvatting