In cold climates, deicing agents are used to reduce traffic problems due to ice and snowdrifts. However, the use of deicing salts results in accelerated scaling of concrete surfaces on account of damage caused by salt combined with rapid freeze–thaw cycles. These cycles reduce user safety and the service life of concrete pavement. Moreover, scaling is the deterioration of concrete due to the general loss of surface mortar or the mortar surrounding aggregates in concrete. Numerous methods have been proposed and evaluations have been conducted to predict the degree of deterioration caused by scaling and freeze–thaw cycles. In the present study, several previously proposed test methods were experimentally investigated and their differences were examined. Although the watertightness and durability properties of fly ash concrete were observed to be excellent, the scaling resistance decreased. Therefore, it is considered that scaling resistance has a direct effect on cement paste strength. Furthermore, measurement of the scaling resistance varies according to the saline solution, surface finishing treatment, and freeze–thaw environments. In this study, saline solutions that combined the deicing agents NaCl and CaCl₂ were used. The surfaces of the test specimens were given the same finish as the field samples using a stiff brush after bleeding. It was determined that these conditions must be considered to simulate conditions that are similar to those of roads, and a critical experimental assessment must be undertaken.

The use of pozzolanic waste materials as partial cement replacement is customary in contemporary concretes from the sustainability perspective. In this study, glass wastes from organic light-emitting diode (OLED) and liquid crystal display (LCD) were used waste as supplementary cementing material (SCM) in concrete. For the first time, detailed microstructural and hydration attributes have been studied for such blended concretes. Concretes with 10%, 20%, and 30% substitution of ordinary Portland cement (OPC) by OLED and LCD glass powders were developed. The resulting mechanical properties, hydration attributes, and microstructural features were studied at various ages, up to one year. Superior mechanical properties were shown after 28-day age for blended concretes; however, much profound improvement in compressive and flexural strength was observed at 1-year age. The enhanced mechanical properties of modified concretes are attributed to greater pozzolanic activity and secondary hydrates formation of OLED and LCD glass powders in alkaline cementitious matrix. Greater C-S-H gel formation, lower permeability, and more refined microstructure of the blended concrete were corroborated by thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), Rietveld quantitative phase analysis (RQPA), backscattered electron image analysis (BSE), and mercury intrusion porosimetry (MIP). 20 wt% has been found as the optimal value of cement replacement by either LCD or OLED powder. The results clearly indicate LCD and OLED can be successfully used as SCM for developing concrete with improved properties.

In this study, we report on the development and testing of hydrophobic coatings using cellulose fibers. The developed hydrophobic coating agent secured hydrophobic performance over 120°. In addition, a pencil hardness test, rapid chloride ion penetration test, and carbonation test were conducted, and it was confirmed that concrete durability could be improved. We believe that this study will promote the research and development of hydrophobic coatings in the future.