Abrasion Resistance of Cement-Based Composites

Cement-based composites are among the most widely-used construction materials due to their low cost, high compressive strength, high durability, versatility, and easy-handling. Unfortunately, cement-based composites are intrinsically porous and may deteriorate as a result of exposure to harsh environments or poor construction quality. Over the last few decades, most research has focused on the strength characteristics of concrete, with far less attention paid to material parameters influencing durability. The deterioration of these materials often results in severe damage to concrete structures such as cracking, delaminating, spalling, and even fractures. This kind of damage is generally not detected until it has reached a critical level, at which point, rust is visible on the rebar and evidence of cover concrete deterioration can be found throughout the entire structure, as shown in Fig. 1-1. The degradation of cement-based composites is considered a key factor in the durability of structures and a major concern for civil engineers.