Use Of Lightweight Concrete For Arctic Offshore Structures

The present study included a literature search of existing information on lightweight concrete (LWC) in an Arctic environment, inspection of existing concrete structures in the Arctic, and installation of LWC test boxes on an Arctic island to determine the effectiveness of surface treatments in resisting freeze-thaw and abrasion damage. The literature search indicated that few LWC structures have been exposed to the Arctic environment. The Tarsiut caissons, built in the Canadian Arctic in 1981, were constructed of semilightweight concrete using lightweight aggregate from Calgary. As of August, 1982 the structures have shown no sign of freeze-thaw damage, although some thermal cracking was observed. The Sohio concrete pier and seawall at Prudhoe Bay, Alaska have been in place since 1981. Although damage from barge impact was observed, no freeze-thaw or abrasion damage was evident. The Sohio LWC text boxes were installed on Reindeer Island during 1982 and will be inspected this summer. These boxes have been coated with several different coatings to protect the surface of the concrete. Results to date indicate that LWC is a suitable material for the Arctic that will result in an economical and durable structure.