College of Engineering

Environmental and Mix-design Effects on Reinforced Concrete

Performance in UAE
Ashraf Biddah, Civil & Environmental Engineering Dept., E-mail: abiddah@uaeu.ac.ae
Aly Nazmy, Civil & Environmental Engineering Dept.
U.A.E. University, Al-Ain, P.O. Box: 17555, U.A.E.
Abstract
It has been observed that there is large variation in the performance of reinforced concrete
structures in the country. These variations could be related to the sever variability of the
environment and/or different design of the concrete mixes. The objective of this paper is
to discuss the effect of the environmental factors and concrete mix design on the
performance of reinforced concrete namely compressive strength, porosity and corrosion
of the reinforcing bars.
Eighteen different concrete mixes were selected after comprehensive discussion with
different ready mix concrete companies to represent most of the concrete mixes in the
country. Concrete cubes, cylinders, slabs and beams were cast from the different mixes
and exposed to seven different environments for 1.5 years. The different environments
are: Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Fujeirah, Al Ain, Madinat Zayed, High Humidity and
temperature condition in the Humidity chamber and inside the lab (room temperature and
Humidity). The concrete compressive strength, water absorption, and concrete resistivity
were measured after 28 days and every 3 months of exposure to the different
environments. The results of the experimental investigation were discussed. Useful
information for the designers, researchers are provided in the field of concrete
construction.

1. INTRODUCTION
1.1 UAEU UQ Joint Research
A joint research between UAE University and University of Qatar aims at investigating the causes of
cracking and rapid deterioration of structures in both the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Qatar,
identifying efficient and economical means for the repair of these structures, and proposing new techniques
to prevent such deterioration in new structures. Field data will be collected from several parts of UAE and
Qatar on cracked and deteriorated constructed facilities from which the causes of these cracks and
deterioration will be initially identified. Experimental tests will be conducted on scaled models of portions
of some selected structures to simulate their performance. Analytical models will be developed to identify
the behavior of the structures under consideration and to outline the optimum repair strategy. Based on the
experimental and analytical investigations, techniques will be proposed for possible repair of the existing
deteriorated facilities. Recommendations will also be presented to avoid or prevent cracking and rapid
deterioration in new structures.
1.2 Project Objectives
Due to the insufficient data on the effect of UAE environmental conditions on concrete durability, an
extensive experimental research program is underway to investigate the effect of UAE environment on the
short and long-term concrete quality in the country. The general objectives of this research program can be
summarized as follows:
1. Documenting the short term performance of typically produced and placed concrete in the local
environment of different locations in UAE.
2. Documenting the long term performance of typically produced and placed concrete in the local
environment of different locations in UAE.
3. Identifying variables that are important to control early deterioration in concrete.
4. Establishing the degree of deterioration that may be expected from good quality concrete.
5. Making recommendations to the different Municipalities in UAE towards improving the guidelines
specifications based on the result obtained from this study.
1.3 Background
The conditions in the Gulf are, in many respects unique in the world, yet they continue adopting practices

ENG - 162

The Seventh Annual U.A.E. University Research Conference

College of Engineering
from others. Gulf countries, environmentally, belong to an Ultra Hot Climate. In the United States, the only
environments that are comparable are Death Valley in California and Phoenix in Arizona. In Europe and far
eastern Aisa, there are no comparable environments [1]. Another distinguishing feature of this climate is
Solar Radiation. Comparing the solar radiation for various regions of the world, the Gulf area is the highest
level in the world. The absorbed solar radiation can easily generate temperatures of 75 oC on concrete
surface during summer period in the Gulf. Even more dramatically, this temperature rise is rapid creating a
shock effect. The measured rise is in excess of 40 oC in just 3 hours. To put this in perspective, it would
require perhaps six months cycle, seasonal variations in some European or North American climates to
achieve this magnitude of temperature movement. This effect creates equally rapid volumetric changes that,
in service, result in rapid distortions. Another distinguishing feature of the Gulf environment is Salinity.
Gulf sea waters are amongst the more saline in the world. For comparison, the Atlantic Ocean off the coast
of Miami has salinity level of 25,000 ppm. Arabian Gulf sea water has salinity concentrations that are
generally more than 40,000 ppm. This high salinity affects the salt levels of the coastal region ground water
and the salinity of airborne moisture. The ions of concern with regard to concrete are chloride and sulfate.
However, the Gulf waters also contain small amounts of bromide, which is highly aggressive to steel and
concrete [2]. Salts in the ground and in the air are carried by water. On exposed surfaces, this water comes
from dew and periodic rainfall. Additional moisture travels upwards from ground water table due to
evaporation at the ground surface. This water brings slats to surface that are not exposed, but are buried.
Evidence of this behaviour is the well-documented "Sabkha" or slats crust over much of the Arabian Gulf
coastal area.
When it comes to the performance of concrete materials, the Gulf environment is a fundamentally district.
Thus, there is an urgent and pressing requirement for a review of the region needs. The first step toward this
goal is to recognize the important parameters inherent to the environment, materials and mixtures,
construction practice and other service conditions.
The aggressive climate in the Arabian Gulf during the summer months (temperature 45 to 50 oC, RH 60100%, low precipitation, plus wind) together with the generally poor geological conditions (contamination
by sulfates, chloride and carbonation) creates one of the most hostile environments for reinforced concrete
structures. Producing durable concrete is further impeded by poor construction practice and inadequate
design and specification. As a result, reinforced concrete structures show an alarming level of deterioration
after only ten to fifteen years of service.
The importance of curing in improving the quality of concrete is previously recognized but not well
understood. In hot weather, the curing process becomes one of the most important aspects of concrete
production.
The use of cement replacement materials such as (PFA), ground granulated blast-furnace slag and
condensed silica fume has been shown to be advantageous especially in Europe. However, their sensitivity
to curing and their slower reaction compared to OPC raise doubts to their use in hot dry climates. The use
of alternative cementitious materials to improve the quality of concrete in hot climates has been studied by
Austin et al. [3] and results indicate their benefits in producing superior concrete to an equivalent OPC mix,
provided that adequate curing is provided. However, more research on representative concrete elements
exposed under natural conditions is required if further progress is to be made.
Durability of concrete is its ability to resist deterioration caused by external or internal causes, and perform
in a satisfactory manner throughout its intended service life [4]. The strength and the durability of concrete
are influenced mainly by the extent the hydration process is allowed to proceed and the effectiveness of the
hydrates in producing a dense and low permeability concrete. Unlike strength, which is a bulk property, the
durability is a function of its porosity. A permeable surface will allow the ingress of harmful substances
which can cause durability problems. Drying of the concrete at early ages due to inadequate curing relative
to the concrete natural exposure environment results in restricted hydration in the surface layers and thus to
higher porosity and permeability [5].
1.4 Factors Affecting the Deterioration of R.C. Structures in UAE
The authors published a paper in the 6th annual UAE University research conference 2005 addressing the
field surveys and observations were used to provide initial results regarding the effect of aggressive
environmental conditions, namely, high humidity, high temperature, and excessive air/soil borne salinity,
on concrete durability. Other factors affecting concrete durability such as water cement ratio, concrete
cover, material selections and construction practices were also discussed. Conclusions regarding factors
affecting the deterioration of R.C. structures in UAE are provided based on initial results.

The Seventh Annual U.A.E. University Research Conference

ENG - 163

College of Engineering
Based on the characteristics of environmental conditions at UAE and their effect on the concrete durability,
as well as the initial results obtained from the field survey, the following conclusions can be drawn:
I. Elevated temperature, humidity, and presence of high concentration of chloride and sulfate in the soil,
groundwater, and air accelerate the deterioration of R.C. structures in UAE.
II. Water-cement ratio, concrete cover, compaction, and curing are very important factors affecting concrete
durability.
III. The significant causes of deterioration and cracks in reinforced concrete structures in UAE, based on
initial feedback from highly-experienced engineers, may be identified as:
a)
Insufficient concrete cover,
b)
Bad workmanship,
c)
Inadequate supervision,
d)
Improper routine maintenance,
e)
Temperature changes,
f)
Placement of concrete in very hot temperature,
g)
Improper concrete curing, and
h)
Atmospheric corrosion of steel bars.
IV. The significant repair methods for reinforced concrete structures in UAE, based on initial feedback from
highly-experienced engineers, may be identified as:
a)
Recasting with ordinary concrete,
b)
Manual application of repair mortar,
c)
Replacing damaged parts,
d)
Strengthening damaged parts, and
e)
Injection of cracks by epoxy resin.

2. ENVIRONMENTAL FACTORS
UAE was divided into five regions according to the different environments. Abu Dhabi region with the high
temperature, high humidity and facing the Arabian Gulf, AL Ain region with the high temperature low
humidity, Fujarah region representing moderate temperature high humidity and the exposure to the Gulf of
Oman, Madinate Zayed region in the desert with the high temperature, low humidity high exposure to
petroleum fumes in the air and Dubai region with the high temperature, high humidity as well.
Long term on-going experimental program are in progress to represent all the five regions as well as inside
laboratory condition with constant temperature of 25 oC and RH 30% and the Humidity room where high
temperature and Humidity are constant. Also the effect of constant sulfate exposure was simulated in the
laboratory.

3. MIX-DESIGN FACTORS
The factors affecting the mix design are the cement type, cement content, water cement ratio, curing
method, and the corrosion inhibitors content.
Cement content of the mix should be at least enough to give the required durability, but it may need to be
increased to more than this amount to give the required workability within the appropriate maximum
water/cement ratio. This means more cement and proportionately more water can be added in the concrete
keeping the w/c ratio same. W/c ratio of concrete is directly related to strength and compactness of
concrete. BS 8110: Part 1: 1985 and BS 5400: Part 8: 1978 limit the amount of cement to 550 kg/m3 of
concrete. However, CIRIA SP 31 recommends limiting the cement content to a maximum of 450 kg/m3 of
concrete in the Gulf region due to the reasons explained above.
Water-cement ratio: The amount of water which can combine chemically with Portland cement is about
25% of the weight of cement. More than this is needed to make workable concrete and the excess water
creates pores in the cement paste when hardens.

4. EXPERIMENTAL PROGRAM
This paper reports the initial results of an experimental investigation of 18 concrete mixes. Two cement
types are used Ordinary Portland Cement OPC and Sulfate Resistance Portland Cement SRPC. Two cement
contents are used 370 kg/m3 and 450 kg/m3. Two types of water are used tap water and reclaimed water in

ENG - 164

The Seventh Annual U.A.E. University Research Conference

College of Engineering
mixing. Two water cement ratios are used 0.38 and 0.45, curing are normal using 7 days moist curing for all
OPC mixes and 21 days for mixes containing GGBS, no curing or using curing compound after 24 hours of
casting. After curing period, some specimens were surface coated (two types are used) to protect the
reinforcing steel in the concrete form corrosion. Some specimens included corrosion inhibitor (three types
are used) in the mix to prevent corrosion. Two types of aggregates are used Ras Al-khaimah aggregate and
Tarmac (Al Ain) aggregate. Two percentages of GGBS are used (50% and 70% of SCM). Some specimens
include silica fume.
Table 1 shows the different mixes to be conducted in the project and the variables investigated in each mix.
Table 1: Concrete mixes and variables.
Mix

cementitious
content (kg)

Cement
Type

w/cm
Ratio

Curing*

Surface
Coating

Corrosion
inhibitors

Will study the

effect of

M1

370

OPC

0.45

Normal

Control mix

M2

370

OPC

0.45

NO Curing

No Curing

M3

370

OPC

0.45

Normal

Reclaimed water
used in the mix

M4

370

OPC

0.55

Normal

w/c ratio

M5

450

OPC

0.38

Normal

Cement Content

M6

370

OPC

0.45

Normal

Sika
Ferrogard
901

Corrosion Inhibitor
Admix

M7

370

OPC

0.45

Normal

Protectosil
CIT
(degussa)

Surface applied
Corrosion inhibitor

M8

370

50%OPC +
50%GGBS

0.45

Normal

50% GGBS as SCM

M9

370

50%OPC +
50%GGBS

0.45

NO Curing

50% GGBS as SCM

and No Curing

M10

370

30%OPC +
70%GGBS

0.45

Normal

70% GGBS as SCM

M11

370

90%OPC +
10%Silica
Fume

0.45

Normal

10% Silica Fume as

SCM

M12

370

OPC

0.45

Normal

Tarmac Aggregate

0.45

Curing
Compound
(Masterkure
106 degussa)

Using surface
applied curing
coating compound
after 24 hrs.

Normal

Cement Type

M13

M14

370

370

OPC

SRPC

0.45

The Seventh Annual U.A.E. University Research Conference

ENG - 165

College of Engineering
M15
370

50%SRPC +
50%GGBS

0.45

Normal

M16

370

OPC

0.45

Normal

Sika
Ferrogard
903

M17

370

OPC

0.45

Normal

370

OPC

0.45

Normal

Surface applied
Corrosion inhibitor

M18

Cement Type +
SCM

Rheocrete
222+
(degussa)

Corrosion Inhibitor
Admix

M2005
admixture

Corrosion Inhibitor
Admix

* Normal Curing = 7 days moist curing for all OPC mixes and 21 days for mixes containing GGBS
* No Curing = no curing will applied to the mix after casting

Note:
Superplasticizer admixture (Conplast SP430) will be used in all mixes with variable dosage to have
constant slump value for all the mixes in the range of 75 K 25 mm.
Table 2 shows the different tests to be carried out for each mix, the specimens required for each test and test
age.
Table 2: Testing and specimens for each mix.
#

Test

Specimen &
Dimensions
(cm)

Compressive
Strength

Cubes
(10x10x10)

Water
Absorption
Water + Air
Permeability

Cubes
(7x7x7)
Cubes
(15x15x15)
Prisms
(10x10x50)

2
3
4

Carbonation

Testing Age
7-28-56-90
days 6-1224 months
28-56-90
days
28-56-90
days
3-6-9-12
months

Number of
Specimens

Exposure
Conditions

Total
Number of
Specimens

2x17=14

98

21*

21

Accelerated
Corrosion

Prisms
(15x15x25)

Start at 1
month of age

4 (4
different
covers)

Sulphate
Resistance

Cubes
(10x10x10)

6-12-24
months of
immersion

Field
Exposure of
Loaded
Elements

RC Slabs
(50x25x12)

Start at 1
month of age

2 (one with
the smallest
cover + one
with
biggest
cover)

14

Structural
Performance

RC Beams
(15x15x180)

After being
corroded in
different
exposures

2 (lab +
chamber)

2 (lab
+chamber)

12

Remarks

Measurem
ents:
- Half cell
- Conc.
Resistivity

Measurem
ents:
- Half cell
- Conc.
Resistivity

5. RESULTS AND ANALYSIS

Tests were conducted on different types of specimens for determination of compressive strength, water

ENG - 166

The Seventh Annual U.A.E. University Research Conference

College of Engineering
absorption, visual inspection, cracking mapping, concrete resistivity and half cell potential. Since the
research still on going the compressive strength comparison is presented in this paper.
Figure 1 presents the concrete compressive strength of Mix No. 1 for different environmental exposure after
3 and 6 months. It is noticed that the high humidity and temperature at Dubai and Fujirah locations affect
the compressive strength when the 28days, 3 and 6 months exposure are compared. The compressive
strength at Al Ain, Abu Dhabi and Madinat Zayed are almost steady with time of exposure. The 9 and 12
months readings will confirm the previous conclusions.

50

Fujirah site 6M

Fujirah site 3M

Dubai site 6M

Dubai site 3M

Madinat Zayed 6M

Madinat Zayer 3M

Abu Dhabi site 6M

Abu Dhabi site 3M

Al Ain site 6M

Al Ain site 3M

Humidity Ch. 6M

Humidity Ch. 3M

60

28 days

70
7 days

Concrete strength (N/mm2)

80

Laboratory 6M

90

Laboratory 3M

Concrete Mix No. 1

40
30
20
10
0
Different exposures
Fig. 1: Concrete strength of concrete mix No. 1 at different exposures.

Figures 2 and 3 present the concrete compressive strength of concrete Mix No. 8 and 11, respectively, for
different environmental exposure after 3 and 6 months. It is observed that the use of silica fume or GGBS
increases the durability of the concrete and shows steady compressive strength with time for the different
exposures. The 9 and 12 months readings will confirm the previous conclusions.
Figure 4 shows the concrete strength of different mixes after 6 months of exposure to normal and
concentrated sulphate solution. The addition of GGBS to the sulphate resistance cement (concrete Mix No.
15) when subjected to sulphate solution after 6 months shows deteriorated in terms of strength. However,
concrete mix No. 14 with sulphate resistant cement and no GGBS sustains the compressive strength after 6
months exposure. The 9 and 12 months readings will confirm the previous conclusions.

The Seventh Annual U.A.E. University Research Conference

ENG - 167

Concrete strength (N/mm2)

50

ENG - 168

90

80

70

Concrete Mix No. 11

Fujirah site 6M

Fujirah site 3M

Dubai site 6M

Dubai site 3M

Madinat Zayed 6M

Fujirah site 6M

Fujirah site 3M

Dubai site 6M

Dubai site 3M

Madinat Zayed 6M

Madinat Zayer 3M

Abu Dhabi site 6M

Abu Dhabi site 3M

Al Ain site 6M

Al Ain site 3M

Humidity Ch. 6M

Humidity Ch. 3M

Laboratory 6M

Concrete Mix No. 8

Madinat Zayer 3M

Abu Dhabi site 6M

Abu Dhabi site 3M

Al Ain site 6M

Al Ain site 3M

Humidity Ch. 6M

Humidity Ch. 3M

60

Laboratory 3M

80

Laboratory 6M

70

28 days

90

Laboratory 3M

28 days

7 days

40

7 days

Concrete strength (N/mm2)

College of Engineering

50

30

20

10

0
Different exposures

Fig. 2: Concrete strength of concrete mix No. 8 at different exposures.

60

40

30

20

10

Different exposures

Fig. 3: Concrete strength of concrete mix No. 11 at different exposures.

The Seventh Annual U.A.E. University Research Conference

College of Engineering

Compressive strength
(N/mm2)

Effect of sulfate in Laboratory

7 days

90
80
70
60
50
40
30
20
10
0

28 days

6 months
lab. exposure

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 101112131415161718

6 months
sulfate
exposure

Concrete Mixes
Fig. 4: Concrete strength of different mixes after 6 months of exposure to normal and
concentrated sulphate solution.

CONCLUSIONS
Based on the preliminary results of the experimental work the following conclusions can be obtained:
1The high humidity and temperature at Dubai and Fujirah locations affect the compressive
strength when the 28days, 3 and 6 months exposure are compared.
2The addition of GGBS to the sulphate resistance cement reduced its effect in resisting sulphates.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
This work was financially supported by the Research Affairs at the UAE University under a contract no.
Qatar/UAEU-01-7-70/03. This support is greatly appreciated.

REFERENCES
[1] Summers, G.R., and Olsen, N.H., 1996, "New concepts in the durability and repair of reinforced
concrete," Conference on deterioration of reinforced concrete in Gulf and methods of repair,
Muscat, Sultanate of Oman, pp. 81-107.
[2] Summers, G.R., 1996, "Traditional and new materials technologies in transportation: bridges,"
Highway and bridge maintenance conference, International Institute for Research, Dubai.
[3] Austin, S.A., Robins, P.J. and Issad, A., 1992, "Influence of curing methods on the strength and
permeability of GGBFS concrete in a simulated arid climate," cement and concrete composites,
14, pp. 157-167.
[4] Al-Kindy, A.A. and Austin, S.A., 1996, "Microclimate and curing effects on concrete durability,"
Conference on deterioration of reinforced concrete in Gulf and methods of repair, Muscat,
Sultanate of Oman, pp. 109-128.
[5] Killoh, D.C. et al.. 1989, "Influence of curing at different relative humidities on the hydration and
porosity of Portland/fly ash cement paste," Proceedings of the 3rd International conference on fly
ash, silica fume, slag and natural pozzolans in concrete, Trondheim, ACI-SP 114, vol. 1, pp. 157174.
[6] Rendell, F., Jauberthie, R., and Grantham, M., 2002, "Deteriorated concrete, inspection and
physicochemical analysis," Thomas Telford publishing, 193p.

The Seventh Annual U.A.E. University Research Conference

ENG - 169