Information Paper 6/00 Concrete strength: the effect of ocean-depth water pressure

Publication Year

2000

Document Status

Archived

Abstract

Describes a laboratory study of the effect of immersion in water at pressure on the strength of concrete specimens. Compression and flexure tests were carried out under water pressure and after depressurisation. High water pressure, equivalent to submersion in the ocean at a depth of 6,000 metres, damaged the concrete, causing loss of compressive strength and flexural strength. Additional tests suggest that this damage was caused by the mechanical effect of high confinement, rather than by permeation of water. In contrast, at lower water pressures equivalent to submersion at sea depths (below 1,000 metres), loss of strength only occurred if the concrete was depressurised, and was a result of water entering the concrete.

Document History

Whilst this publication can still be purchased some of the information in it has been superseded by more recent research and standards. The BRE Group does not accept any responsibility whatsoever for any loss or damage, including - without limitation - indirect or consequential loss or damage arising from use, or loss of use, of data or profits arising out of, or in connection with, the use of this document.

Author

Clayton, N.

ISBN

9781860813665

Publisher Information