INCREASING THE LIFESPAN OF COASTAL CONCRETE STRUCTURES IN LOW-LYING LANDS IN EGYPT (NILE DELTA)

Abstract

In the context of constructing economic robust coastal structures, this research was originated with the main objective of increasing the lifecycle of concrete structures when exposed to sodium chloride. Accustomed to the defined objectives, the research study phases (i.e. methodology) were designed to encompass 4 phases (i.e.theoretical,experimental investigation, analysis and inferential phases). The 1st phase reviewed the previous literature in the field of concrete in coastal zones together with its performance. Based on this amendment, the researcher pointed to the problems that could not find an answer from previous investigators and initiated his research based on their results to be able to grip and solve such problems. Concerning the 2nd phase, the researcher proposed additives to improve the behavior of concrete (i.e. iron fillings, Sika and fiber). An experimental procedure was designed, where 24 beams were cast. From these beams core specimens were extracted. The beams or specimens were divided into 4 groups. The first group was cast with traditional concrete to act as a reference. The other three groups were cast with the different proposed additives. Each group has 2 subgroups that were immersed in salty water with 2 concentrations of Sodium Chloride (i.e. 10,000 and 40,000 ppm) for 3 intervals 1, 12 and 18 months. Investigations and measurements were carried out to these specimens in order to determine the behavior of the specimens and define their characteristics after being immersed for the different