Laboratory Evaluation of Expedient Low-Temperature Concrete Admixtures for Repairing Blast Holes in Cold Weather
Abstract
Previous research has demonstrated the efficacy of various commercial admixtures for rapid setting concrete in cold weather environments, but this research has mostly focused on gathering data on too large a time window (more than 7 days) and focuses on admixtures largely unavailable in Afghanistan. The research included in this report investigates admixtures which can satisfy the Army operational requirement. These requirements include 45 90 minutes of concrete workability, followed by a rapid-strength gain to the point of being undiggable, and the ability to support anticipated vehicle loads within 3 to 5 total hours from first contact of water to binder material. This research ignores typical concerns such as long-term durability, aesthetics, corrosion, and others that are of minimal importance in this expedient field use application concrete not expected to last more than 5 years. Results from this study were incorporated into Army guidance addressing the use of rapid setting materials for crater repair. This report describes the repair methods and early strength gain performance (as measured by penetration resistance) of the rapid setting materials used in laboratory tests to repair small-to-large craters at ambient temperatures (about 10 to 0 C). An appendix then combines this research and existing knowledge of admixture use at temperatures above 0 C to provide non-technical, expedient instructions for Soldiers tactical hasty road repair in a broad range of low temperatures using locally procurable (in Afghanistan) materials.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jan 08, 2013
- Accession Number
- ADA571771
Entities
People
- Charles E. Smith Jr.
- Edel R. Cortez
- Jared I. Oren
Organizations
- Engineer Research and Development Center