This U.S.-Mexico award will help to support joint research between groups headed by Dr. D. V. Reddy of the Center for Marine Structures and Geotechnique at Florida Atlantic University and Dr. Lorenzo Martinez of the National University of Mexico (UNAM). The purpose of the collaboration is to address the effects of new materials on the durability behavior of reinforced/prestressed/post-tensioned concrete. The proposed experiments will study changes in concrete durability that result from the use of different types of cement. Mix design variables, such as concrete strength, air content, slump, and water-cement ratio, will be studied for their effects on durability. The magnitude of the durability problem is considerable enough to merit national and international action. The cost of current replacement and repair requirements in the concrete infrastructure, caused by inadequate durability, are conservatively estimated to be billions of dollars. This study will improve the scientific understanding of deterioration of reinforced concrete, provide improved interpretation of the actual behavior, and develop guidelines for estimating life expectancy.
