Effects of curing and aging on the triaxial properties of concrete in underground structures

To accurately predict the response of a concrete structure for a given loading condition some knowledge of shear strength and compressibility is required. Several studies have shown that these properties vary as concrete cures and ages; therefore, the response of a concrete structure changes with time. In order to address this problem, Sandia initiated a material-test program to study the curing and aging of underground concrete structures. Material properties were obtained from cores taken periodically from two underground concrete structures constructed at the Sandia Tonopah Test Range, Nevada. Results of this continuing study are presented.