FAQs

Freeze-thaw durability is a concern with concrete that is exposed to the elements. If the concrete is exposed to anti-icing materials (salt) the problem is amplified. When salt penetrates the concrete it does so in solution with the water. When the salt dries crystals form. The solid mass of the salt-crystals exerts a force on the concrete, which causes spalling. One solution to the potential problem: add an air-entraining admixture to the concrete. Typically, the entrained air target will be approximately 7 percent. This is particularly true for highway pavements and bridge decks.