The impact of three different finishing times on the surface layer properties of concrete containing different contents of slag cement replacement was evaluated, as well as the relationship between finishing, abrasion resistance of surface layer, and salt-scaling resistance. In addition, a novel method for monitoring the bleeding period of fresh concrete was investigated.

Based on the results obtained in this study, choice of finishing time can influence salt scaling resistance by affecting abrasion resistance of concrete mixtures. It was found that lower resistance of slag cement concrete to salt scaling is not necessarily due to a weaker surface layer. While slag replacement reduced the mixtures’ scaling resistance, up to 40% of slag replacement improved mechanical properties, including surface abrasion resistance.