The preliminary study will run for one year, and subsequent studies will run for another estimated two to three years. The U of I recognizes that HPC is widely used in the civil infrastructure as a construction and maintenance material, but many aspects of HPC require further studies in order to understand the effects of various environments and loads. Corrosion is a serious problem for reinforced concrete, so finding a way to eliminate corrosion is key. The goal is to create concrete with adequate compressive strength as well as very low porosity and extremely low permeability. This is possible by using low water-cement ratios, superplasticizers, Mix Water Conditioner TM , Densifier TM and appropriate aggregates, cements, and mineral admixtures.
Cost is also a factor, however.
HPC made using finely divided admixtures is not always reliable and can be complex to use. The U of I reports that Mix Water Conditioner TM and Densifier TM enhance the durability of concrete at a fraction of the cost of other pozzolanic materials. Another objective is to evaluate permeability, which is among the most relevant characteristics of concrete affecting its durability. Concretes with equal compressive strength may have different permeabilities, thus providing different levels of resistance to corrosion. Mix Water Conditioner TM is being studied because it yields higher quality concrete at a fraction of the cost, quicker and easier placement which reduces finishing time, less shrinkage and cracking, stronger bond of concrete to steel and increased compressive strength.