Ground water leaching resistance of high and ultra high performance concretes in relation to the testing convection regime

The stability of concrete in contact with water is an issue of great concern if long-term service-life is needed. High and ultra high performance concretes have been developed to enhance the durability of concretes structures, but the great differences in composition and microstructure of these concretes with regard to the traditional concrete mean that previous experience may be inapplicable. Ground water leaching resistance of high and ultra high performance concretes has been studied employing two leaching methods based on different convection regimes of the leachant: Tank Water Test (TWT) and Running Water Test (RWT). The leachability of calcium has been used to monitor leaching.