Concrete in aggressive ground (SD 1)
BRE (Building Research Establishment) is an independent, research-based consultancy, testing and training organisation, operating in the built environment and associated industries.
On 12 June 2005, BRE published, Concrete in aggressive ground (SD 1), written by the BRE Construction Division.
Chemical agents found in the ground can destroy concrete. In the UK, these agents are most commonly sulfates and acids that occur naturally in soil and groundwater, and can cause the expansion and softening of concrete. Other substances, most resulting from human activity, can be aggressive but present less of a problem as they only rarely come into contact with concrete.
The 2005 edition of BRE Special Digest 1 (SD1:2005) simplifies, updates and consolidates Parts 1 to 4 of the previous edition published in 2003. It was revised to reflect new thinking and changes to the British Standards, including:
- A new ranking of cements in relation to sulfate resistance.
- Removal of the aggregate carbonate range.
- Revision of sulfate class limits.
- Simpler requirements for additional protective measures.
It provides guidance on the specification of concrete for installation in natural ground and brownfield sites. The procedures for ground assessment and concrete specification cover the common occurrence of sulfates, sulfides and acids as well as the more rarely occurring aggressive carbon dioxide found in some ground and surface waters. It is intended to provide practical guidance for ground specialists as well as specification advise for concrete designers, specifiers and producers.
- Part A: Introduces the chemical attack of concrete in the ground.
- Part B: Describes modes of chemical attack and discusses the principal types.
- Part C: Deals with the assessment of the chemical aggressiveness of the ground.
- Part D: Gives recommendations for the specification of concrete for general cast-in-situ use.
- Part E: Gives recommendations for specifying surface carbonated precast concrete for general use.
- Part F: Includes design guides for the specification of precast concrete products.
[edit] Find out more
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings Wiki.
- Alkali-activated binder.
- Alkali-aggregate reaction (AAR).
- Architectural concrete.
- BRE articles on Designing Buildings Wiki.
- Brownfield land.
- Building Research Establishment.
- Cellular concrete.
- Concrete.
- Concrete-steel composite structures.
- Concrete repair mortars.
- Concrete superplasticizer.
- Concreting plant.
- Contaminated land.
- Efflorescence.
- Formwork.
- Ground investigation.
- Hempcrete.
- Precast concrete.
- Prestressed concrete.
- Reinforced concrete.
- Self-compacting concrete.
- Testing concrete.
- The properties of concrete.
Featured articles and news
70+ experts appointed to public sector fire safety framework
The Fire Safety (FS2) Framework from LHC Procurement.
Project and programme management codes of practice
CIOB publications for built environment professionals.
Sustainable development concepts decade by decade.
The regenerative structural engineer
A call for design that will repair the natural world.
Buildings that mimic the restorative aspects found in nature.
CIAT publishes Principal Designer Competency Framework
For those considering applying for registration as a PD.
BSRIA Building Reg's guidance: The second staircase
An overview focusing on aspects which most affect the building services industry.
Design codes and pattern books
Harmonious proportions and golden sections.
Introducing or next Guest Editor Arun Baybars
Practising architect and design panel review member.
Quick summary by size, shape, test, material, use or bonding.
Types of rapidly renewable content
From forestry to agricultural crops and their by-products.
Terraced houses and the public realm
The discernible difference between the public realm of detached housing and of terraced housing.
Looking back at the influence of climate events
From a designer and writer: 'There are limits to growth but no limits to development'.
Terms, histories, theories and practice.
Biophilic design and natural light
Letting in the light and natural elements into spaces.