Durability Perspective in Codes of Practice for Design of Reinforced Concrete Structures Working Paper for E-conference on Durability of Concrete

hosted by The Structural Engineers Forum of India (SEFI) Kunal D. Kansara SEFI Member I. DURABILITY PERSPECTIVE IN CODES OF PRACTICE It is observed that durability definition is of great significance towards service life and strength assessments as a part of any management system for structures. Almost all design codes specify that structures should be designed for some minimum design life. However, they do not provide any sound basis for ensuring this criterion. Traditionally, this criterion is based on some deem-to-satisfy rules, such as minimum cement content, maximum water/cement ratio, crack width limitation, permeability, cement type and coatings on concrete, etc., which are intended to provide resistance against the factors having tendency to reduce the durability of the structure. With such rules, it is merely assumed that a structure will be performing above minimum requirements for some period of time. However, they do not present a clear definition for service life. In this working paper, the durability perspectives as seen through the Indian code and the Euro code are discussed. 1) Durability Definition in Indian Code Like many other codes, the Indian code IS:456(2000) [1] is also primarily a load design code for concrete structures and durability requirements are provided in the form of deemto-satisfy rules. It defines durable concrete as the one that performs satisfactorily in the working environment during its anticipated exposure conditions during service. Permeability of concrete is believed to be one of the main characteristics that influence the concrete durability to a significant extent. It suggests further that a suitably low permeability can be achieved by having adequate cement content, sufficiently low free water/cement (w/c) ratio, ensuring complete compaction and adequate curing. In particular, following factors are considered influencing concrete durability : Environment, Cover to embedded steel, Type and quality of constituent materials, Cement content and w/c ratio, Workmanship to obtain full compaction and efficient curing and Shape and size of the member. 2) Durability Definition in Euro Code As mentioned earlier, most concrete codes worldwide employ deem-to-satisfy-rules for accounting durability requirements and the Euro Code 2 (2005) [2], [3] also follows the same kind of guidelines. It defines the durable structure as the one which meets the requirements of serviceability, strength and stability, throughout its design working life, without significant loss of utility or excessive unforeseen maintenance. With this definition, the durability perspective in the Indian Code is same as that in the Euro Code. It is further specified in the Euro Code that the required protection of the structure shall be established by considering its intended use, design working life, maintenance programme and actions, with the possible significance of direct and indirect actions, environmental conditions and consequential effects (e.g. deformations due to creep and shrinkage) considered [4], [6]. The corrosion protection of steel reinforcement is assumed to depend on density, quality and thickness of concrete cover and cracking. The cover density and quality is achieved by controlling the maximum w/c ratio and minimum cement content and may be related to a minimum strength class of concrete.
II.

CONCRETE-ENVIRONMENT INTERACTION

1) Concrete-Environment Interaction in Indian Code In the Indian code, concrete-environment interaction has been grouped under three heads, viz. concrete in general environment, concrete in aggressive environment and concrete in sea water, as shown in Fig. 1. The general durability format for all these three groups is to satisfy some deem-to-satisfy rules in addition to load design specifications. In Fig. 1, LDS refers to load design specifications and DTSR refers to deem-to-satisfy-rule specifications. The actual deem-to-satisfy rules as specified in the Indian Code can be arranged in five distinct groups to understand the actual pattern of how durability has been incorporated in the design specifications and are described in Fig. 1. The first amongst them specifies DTSR for general durability requirements and the remaining provide additional specifications for the conditions over and above that considered in the first group. DTSR : Groups II and III provide specifications for environmental conditions including freeze-thaw action and sulphate attack respectively. DTSR Groups IV and V provide specifications for concrete placed in aggressive soils and water and concrete placed in sea-water respectively. 2) Concrete-Environment Interaction in Euro Code Though core objectives and basic philosophy for achieving so-called concrete durability is the same in both the Euro Code and Indian Code, the Euro Code has an integrated procedure of deriving environment and bond requirements in achieving it as seen from Fig. 2. The final output of the process is to obtain minimum required cover, maximum w/c ratio, minimum cement content in concrete and minimum grade of concrete to be used. As seen form Fig. 2, there are three major variables considered, viz. structural class, exposure class and strength class. It is to be noted that the structural class and the strength class are assumed to be dependent upon the exposure class, and hence two matrices namely basic nominal cover requirement matrix and indicative strength requirement matrix are formulated [4]. The former matrix links structural class with exposure class

These two matrices are synthesized from the criteria specified in the Euro code [2] for better visualization of process flow by Kansara et al [4] and not available as it is in [2].

and the later matrix relates strength class with the exposure class. After selecting these two parameters (i.e. applicable basic nominal cover and applicable strength class), further modifications are applied on it to account for different design life, slab geometry, special quality control measures and casting situations of the concrete. Modifications to account for using grade of concrete higher than specified in indicated strength class and air entrainment are also performed. After arriving at the modified minimum required cover and employed strength class of concrete, country specific modifications (e.g. [5]) are permitted to make.

[2]. EN 1992 Euro Code 2, Design of Concrete Structures, European Committee for Standardization (CEN), Brussels, Belgium. [3]. CEB Design Guide, Durable Concrete Structures, 1995, Thomas Telford Publications for Comite Euro-Internationald Du Beton (CEB), Lausanne, Switzerland. [4]. Kunal D. Kansara, K. Ramanjaneyulu and Balthasar Novak, Evaluation of Durability Criteria towards Servicelife Estimation of Bridges, SERC Research Report No. RCS-CLP00341-RR-07-02, Structural Engineering Research Centre, Chennai, India, 2007. [5]. DIN-EN206-1 (2000), Concrete Part 1 - Specification, Performance, Production and Conformity, German Standard (in Deutsche), Brussels, Belgium. [6]. Kunal D. Kansara and K. Ramanjaneyulu, Durability Perspective of Concrete Structures in Codes of Practice, Proceedings of the National conference on Current Trends in Technology (NUCONE), December 2008, Ahmedabad, India.

III. REFERENCES
[1]. IS:456(2000), Indian Standard Code of Practice for Plain and Reinforced Concrete, Bureau of Indian Standard, New Delhi, India.

CONCRETE-ENVIRONMENT INTERACTION

Concrete in Non Abrasive Environment

Concrete in Abrasive Environment

Specialist Literature

ENVIRONMENT SEVERITY LEVELS Mild, Moderate, Severe, Very Severe, Extreme

Concrete in General Environment

Concrete in Aggressive Soils and Water

Concrete in Seawater

General Environment

General Environment with FreezingThawing Possibility

General Environment with Sulphate Attack Possibility

LDS

LDS

LDS

LDS

LDS

+ +
DTSR : Group I

+
DTSR : Group I

+
DTSR : Group I

+
DTSR : Group I

+
DTSR : Group I Shape Size Cover Mix Proportion Mix Constituents Workmanship DTSR : Group II Air Entraining Admixture Compensatory Higher Concrete Grade

+
DTSR : Group III Cement Type Restriction Special Mix Proportion Protective Aprons

+
DTSR : Group IV Drainage Protective Aprons

+
DTSR : Group V Special Min Concrete Grade Avoid Porous Materials Precast Preference Construction Joint Restriction Reinforcement Protection

Fig. 2 Concrete-Environment Interaction Indian Code Perspective (Starts Here) DEEM-TO-SATISFY DURABLE CONCRETE

Fig. 1 Concrete-Environment Interaction as Perceived from Indian Code (Starts Here)

DEEM-TO-SATISFY-RULES (DTSR) : GROUP I

DTSR : Shape and Size Shape and size details of exposed structures should be such as to promote good drainage of water and to avoid standing pools and rundown of water. Member profiles and their intersections with other members shall be designed and detailed in a way to ensure easy flow of concrete and proper compaction during concreting. Concrete is more vulnerable to deterioration due to chemical or climatic attack when it is in thin sections, in sections under hydrostatic pressure and at corners and edges of elements. The life of the structure can be lengthened by providing extra cover to steel, chamfering the corners or using circular cross-sections or using surface coatings which prevent or reduce the ingress of water, carbon dioxide or aggressive chemicals.

DTSR : Cover Minimum nominal cover (Cn) shall be determined using the following algorithm :

DTSR : Mix Proportion PLAIN CONCRETE REINFORCED CONCRETE Min. Cement Content Max. Min. Cement Content Max. Min. Min. (kg/m3) Free (kg/m3) Free Concrete Concrete For Different Aggregate W/C For Different Aggregate W/C Grade Grade Size (mm) Ratio Size (mm) Ratio 10 20 40 10 20 40 Mild 260 220 190 0.60 --340 300 270 0.55 M20 Moderate 280 240 210 0.60 M15 340 300 270 0.50 M25 Severe 290 250 220 0.50 M20 360 320 290 0.45 M30 V Severe 300 260 230 0.45 M20 380 340 310 0.45 M35 Extreme 320 280 250 0.40 M25 400 360 330 0.40 M40 Cement content (not including fly ash and ground granulated blast furnace slag) in excess of 450 kg/m3 shall be used unless special design consideration is given to the increased risk of cracking due to drying shrinkage in thin sections, or to early thermal cracking and to the increased risk of alkali silica reactions. Environment Severity Level

DEEM-TO-SATISFY-RULES (DTSR) : GROUP I (Continued)

DTSR : Mix Constituents A. Sulphates in Concrete For the concrete made using cement other than supersulphated cement complying to IS:6909, total water-soluble sulphate content of the concrete mix, expressed as SO3, should not exceed 4 % by mass of the cement in the mix. B. Chlorides in Concrete

Maximum total content of acid soluble chloride (Clmax) shall be limited for different cases as described below :
Type of Use of Concrete Concrete containing metal and steam cured at elevated temperature Prestressed concrete Reinforced concrete 0.4 Clmax (kg/m3)

Plain Concrete with embedded metal

Concrete not containing any embedded metal Concrete containing any material that does not require protection from chloride C. Alkalis in Concrete

0.6

3.0

Alkalis (Na2O and K2O) may react with some aggregates containing particular varieties of silica and lead to expansive reactions causing cracking and disruption of concrete. However, damage to concrete due to this reaction is normally possible only when all of the following are present together: A high level moisture content within concrete Concrete is made of a cement, aggregate or any other ingredient with high alkali content or alkali reactive constituent If the service records of particular cement/aggregate combination are well established and do not include any instances of cracking due to alkali-aggregate reaction, no further precautions are required. For unfamiliar materials following precautions are suggested : Use of non-reactive aggregates from alternative sources. Use of low alkali OPC having total alkali content not more than 0.6 % as Na 2O equivalent. Use of fly ash (Grade I) confirming to IS 3812 or granulated blastfurnace slag confirming to IS 12089 as part replacement of low alkali OPC, provided fly ash and slag contents are at least 20 % and 50 % respectively. Use of impermeable membranes to reduce degree of saturation of the concrete during service. Limiting the cement content in the concrete mix and thereby limiting the total alkali content. For more guidance specialist literature may be referred.

DTSR : Workmanship

A. Compaction
Adequate compaction without segregation should be ensured by providing suitable workability and by employing appropriated placing and compacting equipment and procedures. Full compaction is particularly important in the vicinity of construction and movement joints and of embedded metals and reinforcement. B. Finishing Good finishing practices are essential for durable concrete. Overworking the surface and addition of water to aid in finishing should be avoided, the resulting laitance will have impaired strength and durability will be particularly vulnerable to freezing and thawing under wet conditions. C. Curing It is essential to use proper and adequate curing techniques to reduce the permeability of the concrete and enhance durability by extending the hydration of the cement, particularly in its surface zone.

DEEM-TO-SATISFY-RULES (DTSR) : GROUP II

DTSR : Air Entraining Admixtures and Compensatory Higher Concrete Grade When using concrete lower than grade M50 under freezing-thawing possibilities, use of suitable air entraining admixtures can enhance durability. The mean total air content by volume of the fresh concrete at the time of delivery should be : (5 1)% when nominal maximum size of aggregate is 20 mm

(4 1)% when nominal maximum size of aggregate is 40 mm

Since air entrainment reduces the strength, suitable adjustments may be made in the mix design for achieving required strength.

DEEM-TO-SATISFY-RULES (DTSR) : GROUP III

DTSR : Cement Type Restriction, Special Mix Proportion and Protective Aprons Recommended type of cement, maximum free w/c ratio and minimum cement content, required at different sulphate concentrations in near-neutral ground water having pH of 6 to 9 are described below : Dense, fully compacted concrete made with 20 mm nominal max. Size of aggr. Complying with IS 383 Minimum cement content$

Concentration of sulphates , expressed as SO3 Type of Cement Class In Soil Total SO3 SO3 in (2:1) water:soil extract (g/l) <1.0 In ground water (g/l)

Maximum W/C ratio+

(%)
1 Traces(<0.2)

kg/m3
OPC or PSC& or PPC OPC or PSC& or PPC 280 330 310 330 350 370 400 0.55 0.50 0.50 0.50 0.45 0.45 0.40

<0.3

0.2-0.5

1.0-1.9

0.3-1.2 SSC* or SRPC SSC* or SRPC

0.5-1.0

1.9-3.1

1.2-2.5 PPC or PSC&

4 5

1.0-2.0 >2.0

3.1-5.0 >5.0

2.5-5.0 >5.0

SSC* or SRPC SRPC or SSC* with protective coatings

Ordinary Portland Cement (OPC); Portland Slag Cement (PSC); Portland Pozzolana Cement (PPC); Supersulphated Cement (SSC); Sulphate Resisting Portland Cement (SRPC). *Use of SSC is generally restricted where the prevailing temperature is above 40 oC. SSC gives and acceptable life provided that the concrete is dense and prepared with a w/c ratio of 0.4 or less, in mineral acids, down to pH 3.5.
$

For SO 3 contents near the upper limit of any class, cement contents above the minimum specified are advised.

For severe conditions, such as thin sections under hydrostatic pressure on one side only and sections partly immersed, considerations should be given to a further reduction of w/c ratio.
&

PSC confirming to IS 455 with slag content more than 50 % exhibits better sulphate resisting properties.

Where chloride is encountered along with sulphates in soil or ground water, OPC with C3A content 5-8 % shall be desired to be used in concrete, instead of SRPC. Alternatively, PSC conforming to IS 455 having more than 50 % slag or a blend of OPC and slag may be used provided sufficient information is available on performance of such blended cements in these conditions. For very high sulphate concentrations in class 5 conditions, some form of lining such as polyethylene or polychloroprene sheet; or surface coating based on asphalt, chlorinated rubber, epoxy; or polyurethane materials should be used to prevent access by the sulphate solution.

DEEM-TO-SATISFY-RULES (DTSR) : GROUP IV

DTSR : Drainage and Protective Aprons At sites where alkali concentrations are high or may become very high, the ground water should be lowered by drainage so that it will not come in direct contact with the concrete. Additional protection may be obtained by the use of chemically resistant stone facing or a layer of plaster of Paris covered with suitable fabric, such as jute thoroughly impregnated with bituminous material.

DEEM-TO-SATISFY-RULES (DTSR) : GROUP V

DTSR : Special Minimum Concrete Grade, Avoid Porous Materials, Precast Preference, Construction Joint Restriction and Reinforcement Protection Concrete in sea-water or exposed directly along the sea-coast shall be at least M20 and M30 grades in cases of plain concrete and reinforced concrete respectively. Use of slag or pozzolana cement is advantageous under such conditions. Special attention shall be given to the design of the mix to obtain densest possible concrete; slag, broken brick, soft sandstone or other porous or weak aggregates shall not be used. As far as possible preference shall be given to precast members unreinforced, well cured and hardened, without sharp corners, and having trowel-smooth finished surfaces free from crazing, cracks or other defects. Plastering should be avoided. No construction joints shall be within 600 mm below low water-level or within 600 mm of the upper and lower planes of wave actions. Where unusually severe conditions or abrasions are anticipated, such parts of the work shall be protected by bituminous or silico-fluoride coatings or stone facing bedded with bitumen.

Exposure Classes As Per Indian Code

Environment Mild Exposure Conditions Concrete surfaces protected against weather or aggressive conditions, except those situated in coastal area Concrete surfaces sheltered from severe rains or freezing whilst wet Concrete exposed to condensation and rain Concrete continuously under water Concrete in contact or buried under non-aggressive soil/ground water Concrete surfaces sheltered from saturated salt air in coastal area Concrete surfaces exposed to severe rain, alternate wetting and drying or occasional freezing whilst wet or severe condensation Concrete completely immersed in sea water Concrete exposed to coastal environment Concrete surfaces exposed to sea water spray, corrosive fumes or severe freezing conditions whilst wet Concrete in contact with or buried under aggressive sub-soil/ground water Surface members in tidal zone Members in direct contact with liquid/solid aggressive chemicals

Moderate

Severe

Very Severe Extreme

Fig. 1 Concrete-Environment Interaction as Perceived from Indian Code (Ends Here)

CONCRETE-ENVIRONMENT INTERACTION

Bond Requirements

Durability Requirements

Seperated bars Nominal max. aggregate size 32 mm ?

Bundled bars Nominal max. aggregate size 32 mm ?

Structural Class

Exposure Class

Strength Class

Yes

No

Yes

No Basic Nominal Cover Requirement Matrix

A Indicative Strength Requirement Matrix

Cn-bond =

Cn-bond = ( + 5) Cn-bond = eq Cn-bond = (eq + 5)

Modification for Design Life Compensation for SlabGeometry

Yes

Higher Strength Class than Indicative Employed ?

No

Compensation for Special Quality Control

Modifications for Abrassive Action Concrete Placed against Existing Concrete No

Air Entrainment Always >4%? Yes

Compensation for Higher Strength Class Country-Specific Modifications Additive Safety Element* Compensation for using Stainless Steel* Compensation for Additional Protection (e.g. coating)* Addition for Abrasive Action *EC requirement = 0 (zero) Cn-durability Modified Compensation for Higher Strength Class Required Nominal Cover for Euro Code Selected Strength for Euro Code

CountrySpecific w/c ratio, cement content specifications

Cn1 = max. {Cn-bond OR Cn-durability OR 10 mm}

Cover Deviation Allowance Cn2 = Cn1 + Cdev Casual Cdev = 10 mm Special Cdev = 5 to 10 mm Stringent Cdev = 0 to 10 mm

Max. w/c Ratio

Min. Cement Content

Cn = Max.{Cn2 OR Special Situation} DEEM-TO-SATISFY DURABLE CONCRETE

Fig. 2 Concrete-Environment Interaction as Perceived from Euro Code (Starts Here)

Exposure Classes as per Euro Code

Class

X0

XC1

XC2

XC3 XC4 XD1 XD2

XD3

XS1
XS2 XS3 XF1 XF2 XF3

XF4

XA1 XA2 XA3

Description of Environment Informative Examples No Risk of Corrosion or Attack For concrete without reinforcement or embedded metal: All Concrete inside buildings with very low air exposures except where there is freeze-thaw, abrasion or humidity chemical attack Corrosion Induced by Carbonation Concrete inside buildings with very low air Dry or permanently wet humidity Concrete permanently submerged in water Concrete surfaces subject to long-term water Wet, rarely dry contact Many foundations Concrete inside buildings with moderate or high Moderate humidity air humidity External concrete sheltered from rain Concrete surfaces subject to water contact, not Cyclic wet and dry within exposure Class XC2 Corrosion Induced by Chlorides Moderate humidity Concrete surfaces exposed to airborne chlorides Swimming pools Wet, rarely dry Concrete components exposed to industrial waters containing chlorides Parts of bridges exposed to spray containing chlorides Cyclic wet and dry Pavements Car park slabs Corrosion Induced by Chlorides from Sea-Water Exposed to airborne salt but not in direct contact with sea Structures near to or on the coast water Permanently submerged Parts of marine structures Tidal, splash and spray zones Parts of marine structures Freeze-Thaw Attack Vertical concrete surfaces exposed to rain and Moderate water saturation, without de-icing agent freezing Vertical concrete surfaces of road structures Moderate water saturation, with de-icing agent exposed to freezing and airborne de-icing Horizontal concrete surfaces exposed to rain and High water saturation, without de-icing agent freezing Road and bridge decks exposed to de-icing agents Concrete surfaces exposed to direct spray High water saturation, with de-icing agent containing de-icing agents and freezing Splash zone of marine structures exposed to freezing Chemical Attack Slightly aggressive chemical environment Natural soils and ground water Moderately aggressive chemical environment Natural soils and ground water Highly aggressive chemical environment Natural soils and ground water

Basic Nominal Cover Requirement Matrix

Environmental Requirement for Cover for Reinforced Concrete Structural Class S1 S2 S3 S4 S5 S6 X0 10 10 10 10 15 20 XC1 10 10 10 15 20 25 XC2/XC3 10 15 20 25 30 35 Exposure Class XC4 15 20 25 30 35 40 XD1/XS1 20 25 30 35 40 45 XD2/XS2 25 30 35 40 45 50 XD3/XS3 30 35 40 45 50 55

Indicative Strength Requirement Matrix

Agent Exposure Class Indicative Strength Class Agent Exposure Class Indicative Strength Class Carbonation XC1 C20/25 XC2 C25/30 XC3 C30/37 Reinforcement Corrosion Chloride Ingress XC4 XD1 C30/37 XD2 XD3 C35/45 Chloride Ingress (Sea-water) XS1 C30/37 XS2 C35/45 XS3

No Risk X0 C20/25 XF1 C20/25

Damage to Concrete Freeze-Thaw Attack XF2 C20/25 XF3 C20/25 XA1 C20/25

Chemical Attack XA2 C20/25 XA3 C20/25

Modifications to Structural Class (SC)#

Criterion X0 XC1 XC2/XC3 Exposure Class XC4 SC + 2 SC 1 SC 1 C40/50 SC 1 SC 1 XD1 SC + 2 SC 1 SC 1 C40/50 SC 1 SC 1 XD2/XS1 SC + 2 SC 1 SC 1 C40/50 SC 1 SC 1 XD3/XS2/XS3 SC + 2 SC 1 SC 1 C45/55 SC 1 SC 1

Design SC + 2 SC + 2 SC + 2 working life of 100 years Member SC 1 SC 1 SC 1 with slab geometry Special SC 1 SC 1 SC 1 quality control Higher C30/37 C30/37 C35/45 strength SC 1 SC 1 SC 1 class Air SC 1 SC 1 SC 1 Entrainment >4% # Minimum Structural Class is S1. Position of reinforcement not affected by construction process.

Provisions for Concrete Placed in Special Situations

A. Fresh in-situ concrete placed against existing (precast or hardened in-situ) elements : Cn-durability = 0 (zero) [Provided Strength Class > C25/30, exposure time < 28 days, interface has been roughned] B. Concrete placed against uneven surfaces : Cdev shall be increased to compensate for unevenness. Minimum Cn = 40 mm (Concrete placed against prepared ground, including blinding) Minimum Cn = 75 mm (Concrete placed directly against soil)

Modifications to Basic Nominal Cover Requirements due to Abrasion as per Euro Code
Nominal Cover (with abrasion allowance) = Basic Nominal Cover for Durability + Abrasion Allowance (k) Abrasion Class XM1 XM2 XM3 Severity Moderate Heavy Extreme Example Members of industrial sites frequented by vehicles with air tyres Members of industrial sites frequented by fork lifts or solid rubber tyres Members of industrial sites frequented fork lifts with elastomer or steel tyres or track vehicles k (mm) 5 10 15

Strength Class-w/c Ratio-Cement Content Relation for German Code (DIN EN206-1)
Exposure Class Max. w/c Ratio Min. Cement Content (kg/m3) Min. Strength Class Carbonation Induced Corrosion XC1/XC2 XC3 0.75 0.65 240 260 C16/20 C20/25 Chloride Ingress Induced Corrosion XD2 XD3 XS1 0.50 0.45 0.55 320 320 300 C35/45 C35/45 C30/37 Damage due to Freeze-Thaw Action XF2 0.55 0.50 0.55 300 320 300 C25/30 C35/45 C25/30 5.5 --5.5 4.5 --4.5 4.0 --4.0 3.5 --3.5 Damage due to Chemical Attack XA1 XA2 0.60 0.50 280 320 C25/30 C35/45 Damage due to Abrasive Action XM2* 0.55 300 C30/37 XC4 0.60 280 C25/30

Exposure Class Max. w/c Ratio Min. Cement Content (kg/m3) Min. Strength Class

XD1 0.55 300 C30/37

XS2 0.50 320 C35/45

XS3 0.45 320 C35/45

Exposure Class Max. w/c Ratio Min. Cement Content (kg/m3) Min. Strength Class 8 Minimum average air 16 void in % by volume for average size of 32 aggregates (mm) 63

XF1 0.60 280 C25/30 ---------

XF3 0.50 320 C35/45 ---------

XF4 0.50 320 C30/37 5.5 4.5 4.0 3.5

Exposure Class Max. w/c Ratio Min. Cement Content (kg/m3) Min. Strength Class

XA3 0.45 320 C35/45

Exposure Class Max. w/c Ratio Min. Cement Content (kg/m3) Min. Strength Class *With some surface treatment done.

XM1 0.55 300 C30/37

XM2 0.45 320 C35/45

XM3 0.45 320 C35/45

Fig. 2 Concrete-Environment Interaction as Perceived from Euro Code (Ends Here)