Many studies have been done by some kinds of analysis to estimate mechanical properties of concrete : i.e. compressive strength and durability of concrete. But, the quantitative evolution about these properties is not complete, due to insufficient data on the microstructure of hardened cement. There are few studies about the microstructural development during cement hydration. Then, in order to clarify quantitatively mechanical properties of concrete, it is need to make a model of microstructural development during cement hydration, and to combine the field of cement chemistry and that of concrete technology.
Steel reinforced concrete with pre-induced cracks was subjected to a long-term exposure test in order to observe the changes in cracks and the progression of corrosion in the reinforcing steel in concrete subject to repeated freezing and thawing in a cold environment. After 42 years exposure, inspection showed that the cover concrete had suffered frost damage, that the pre-induced cracks had grown in size and that new cracks had developed. There was, however, only slight corrosion of the reinforcing steel and little change in its tensile strength.
The world's first LNG underground tank with the largest capacity of 200 000 KL in the world is now under construction at Tokyo Gas new Ohgisima terminal. The roof of this tank is dome shaped structure made of reinforced concrete which supports the soil weight of about 40 000 ton laid on the roof and dead weight of 15 000 ton. In case of the doom roof to be flatter, the reasonable cost of underground tank is obtained. The experimental test of 1/20 scale model, the non-linear analysis and the design study used by codes were carried out for the purpose of confirming the safety of low-rise dome. In this paper, the R & D, the design and the construction for the underground doom roof of RC are described.