12.07.2015 Views

Technical Manual: Conduits through Embankment Dams (FEMA 484)

Technical Manual: Conduits through Embankment Dams (FEMA 484)

Technical Manual: Conduits through Embankment Dams (FEMA 484)

SHOW MORE
SHOW LESS
  • No tags were found...

Create successful ePaper yourself

Turn your PDF publications into a flip-book with our unique Google optimized e-Paper software.

Chapter 8—Potential Defects Associated with <strong>Conduits</strong>• Freezing and thawing.—Repeated cycles of freezing and thawing can affect thedurability of concrete. Concrete readily absorbs water and is vulnerable todamage, if the water within its system of pores can freeze and generatedisruptive pressures. If the pores existing in the concrete are inadequate in sizeand number to accommodate the greater volume occupied by the ice, theconcrete will fracture. The rate of progression of the freezing and thawingdeterioration will depend upon the number of cycles, the degree of saturationduring freezing, the porosity of the concrete, and the exposure conditions.Concrete experiencing damage by freezing and thawing is characterized by adisintegrated appearance. Deterioration due to freezing and thawing isespecially severe in the northern and mountain zones of the United States.Deterioration from freezing and thawing progresses from the exterior surfaceto the concrete inward. As the concrete on the surface fails and is removed byspalling, the depth of freezing progresses inward (Reclamation, 2003, p. 7).Freezing and thawing typically is not a significant concern for conduits, sincemost of the conduit is submerged or has limited exposure. However, freezingand thawing can become a problem for entrance and terminal structures.Figure 106 shows a concrete intake structure that has been exposed to repeatedcycles of freezing and thawing. In new construction, the entrainment of smallbubbles of air into fresh concrete has been found to provide relief for pressuresdeveloped by free water as it freezes and expands. Repairs to existing structuresrequire replacement concrete or epoxy-bonded concrete (Reclamation, 1997,p. 26).Figure 106.—Concrete deterioration from freezing and thawing.179

Hooray! Your file is uploaded and ready to be published.

Saved successfully!

Ooh no, something went wrong!