Durable concrete specification development and implementation for the New International Airport of Mexico

This paper reviews the concrete specification development for the New International Airport of Mexico (Nuevo Aeropuerto Internacional de Mexico, NAIM). The first phase involves the pour of more than 3 million m3 of concrete of different specifications to fulfill the requirements of the variety of structures. Concrete durability is one of the top priorities given the lake soil conditions, which includes the presence of chlorides, sulfates and other components that potentially implies a high severity structure durability risk. This article focuses on the specification development, industrial implementation and concrete performance review through Mexican and International test methods. An outstanding landmark has been set up in Mexico through this project on the engineering, construction materials and techniques. An overview of the local concrete component materials, mechanical, workability, low permeability (ASTM C1202, BS EN 12390-8, NT Build 492 and NMX C514) and crack self-healing (Mexican Procedure) properties are presented. From the diferent concrete technology approaches, the densification with silica fume and the crack self-healing ability provided by a proven permeability reducing admixture for concrete exposed to hydrostatic pressure conditions (ACI 212 type PRAH), were preferred. The performance of two mix designs is presented. High resistivity to chloride ion and water under pressure ingress, as well as crack self-healing ability of at least 80% where demonstrated under standard test methods. The information provided in this paper corresponds to the bid base line.