Rapid Degradation of Concrete Anchorage Performance by Liquid Water

Nobuhiro Chijiwa, Thi Mai Hong, Mitsuyasu Iwanami, Tomohisa Saito, Atsushi Yamaya, Hiroyuki Motegi, Hiroo Shinozaki Journal of Advanced Concrete Technology, 13, 438-448, 2015 Sludge ejection in the foundation of a wind turbine tower fixed by the anchor-ring method and the resulting sludge buildup have been confirmed to cause the undesirable phenomenon of lifting of the tower. Using specimens that model part of a wind turbine foundation, this study investigates the presence of liquid water, differences in W/C, and differences in loading speed, to analyze concrete damage development factors. The results shows that penetration of liquid water from rainfall and snowfall produces a wedge effect, breakdown of the concrete structure, erosion, and cavitation, among other effects, rapidly damaging the concrete of the foundation.

The paper deals with an important practical Problem i.e. the anchorage of wind turbine Towers in the foundation. At a first glance, it seemed to be a simple case but due to observation and experimental findings the case developed to a complex problem. The authors have tried to simulate the reality by a cut-out of a real structure. They received results which show the degradation of the anchorage very clearly. The influencing factors are treated in a systematic way showing that water is the main influencing parameter. (Reviewer B)