Integration of Anhydrous Sodium Acetate (ASAc) into Concrete Pavement for Protection against Harmful Impact of Deicing Salt

Whilst application of deicing salt is essential to maintain the serviceability of concrete pavements in winter months, penetration of salt through microcracks and pores can be harmful to the underlying reinforcement. The aim of the work presented herein is to develop a shielded concrete by integrating a novel anhydrous sodium acetate (ASAc) compound into fresh concrete. The results of a comprehensive laboratory investigation to analyze the mechanical, physical, and morphological properties of the shielded concrete are presented to identify an optimum mixture design that preserves the compressive strength while enhancing the waterproofing and resistance against chloride penetration of the concrete. Trials were conducted by integrating 2% and 4% ASAc into concrete with four water-to-cement (w/c) ratios of 0.32, 0.37, 0.40, and 0.46. The initial surface absorption test, salt ponding, and compressive strength tests along with scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy-dispersive x-ray (EDX) spectroscopy, and Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy analyses were conducted to evaluate the performance and investigate the interaction mechanism of each mixture. The results demonstarted that an optimum mix design could be produced by adding 4% ASAc into mixes with w/c ratio of 0.37 or 0.32.