Comparison on the durability of different portland cements after five years exposure to sulfate and to sea water attack

Experimental research has been performed to relate specific cement characteristics to deterioration due to sulfate and sea water attack after five year exposure, and to study different test method suitability for sulfate and marine resistance. Sulfate resistance testing have been performed on mortar specimens made with fifteen cement types of statistically diverse chemical composition according to European standard EN 197-1, most of them with sulfate resistant properties according to Spanish regulations. Chemical and mechanical characteristics were studied to determine the variation in properties of selected cements. SO3 content, type and amount of additions, C3A, and C4AF content were used to examine relationships between these characteristics and the results of sulfate resistance. Mortar specimens testing using Na2SO4 as the aggressive medium according to ASTM 1012 (with w/c ratio adapted to prENV 196-X:1995) was performed using each type of cement; identical specimens were also stored in sea water, and in lime saturated water (blank condition), up to five year age. Additionally these cements were tested conforming ASTM 452 and Koch and Steinegger test. Recommended acceptance limits for sulfate resistance of cements concerning to each used test method were evaluated in order to explore their suitability. Relationships between cement characteristics, degradation, expansive products obtained by X-ray diffraction techniques and maximum expansion after applied storage treatments, were correlated at final age, to redefine cement characteristics for sulfate resistant and marine resistant Portland cement

The influence of sulfuric environments on concretes elaborated with sulfate resistant cements and mineral admixtures. Part 1: Concrete exposed to Sodium Sulfate (Na2SO4) = Estudio de la influencia de los medios con presencia de sulfatos en hormigones con cementos sulforresistentes y adiciones minerales. Parte 1: Hormigones expuestos a sulfato sódico (Na2SO4)

The study of sulfate attack in concrete is considered vital for the preservation of the structural integrity of constructions. Its aggressive behaviour causes degradation of the cement matrix which changes the initial properties of the material. In this article, the sulfate resistance of concrete is studied. To that goal, four different concrete mixes were made with sulphur resistant cement. The concretes were tested for compressive strength, transport capacity of sulfates and microstructural properties. An experimental program was proposed in which the concrete samples were submerged in sodium sulphate (Na2SO4) solution. The obtained results were compared with reference values of concretes cured in calcium hydroxide [Ca(OH)2]. According to the results the concrete with ground granulated blast-furnace slag presented the best behavior when exposed to sodium sulphate (Na2SO4) solution. El estudio del ataque de sulfatos en el hormigón se considera de gran importancia para la conservación de la integridad estructural de las construcciones. Su agresividad se basa en la degradación de la matriz cementicia modificando las características iniciales de diseño. En el presente trabajo se estudia la resistencia del hormigón al ataque de sulfatos provenientes de sulfato sódico (Na2SO4). Para llevar a cabo la investigación se diseñaron cuatro dosificaciones de hormigón empleando cementos sulforresistentes y adiciones minerales. Se llevó a cabo una propuesta experimental donde las muestras de hormigón se sumergieron en disolución de sulfato sódico (Na2SO4) de concentración 1M. Posteriormente se realizaron ensayos de resistencia mecánica, capacidad de transporte de sulfatos y propiedades microestructurales, a distintas edades. Los resultados obtenidos se compararon con valores de referencia de mezclas de hormigón curadas expuestas a hi-dróxido cálcico [Ca(OH)2]. De acuerdo a los resultados obtenidos, el hormigón con escoria de alto horno presentó las mejores características de durabilidad frente a sulfatos provenientes de sulfato sódico

The influence of sulfuric environments on concretes elaborated with sulfate resistant cements and mineral admixtures. Part 2: Concrete exposed to Magnesium Sulfate (MgSO4) = Estudio de la influencia de los medios con presencia de sulfatos en hormigones con cementos sulforresistentes y adiciones minerales. Parte 2.Hormigones expuestos a sulfato magnésico (MgSO4)

The present work studies the resistant of the concrete against magnesium sulfate (MgSO4) and compare the results with values obtained previously of the same concretes exposed to sodium sulfate (Na2SO4). Thus, it is possible analyze the influence of the cation type. To that end, four different concrete mixes were made with sulfur resistant cement and mineral admixtures (silica fume, fly ash and blast furnace slag). The concretes were submerged for different period in magnesium sulfate (MgSO4). After that, different tests were carried out to define mechanical and microstructural properties. The results obtained were compared with reference values of concretes cured in calcium hydroxide [Ca(OH)2]. According to the results, the concrete with blast furnace slag presented the best behavior front MgSO4, meanwhile the concretes with silica fume and fly ash were the most susceptible. The resistance of the concrete with blast furnace slag could be attributed to the characteristics of the hydrated silicates formed during the hydration time, which include aluminum in the chemical chain that hinder its chemical decomposition during the attack of magnesium. The magnesium sulfate solution was most aggressive than sodium sulfate solution. El presente trabajo estudia la resistencia de hormigones al ataque de sulfatos provenientes de sulfato magnésico (MgSO4) y compara estos valores con resultados previos de los mismos hormigones atacados con sulfato sódico (Na2SO4). De esta manera se estudia la interacción del catión que acompaña al ion sulfato durante su afectación a la matriz cementicia. Para lo anterior, se diseñaron cuatro dosificaciones empleando cementos sulforresistentes y adiciones minerales (humo de sílice, ceniza volante y escoria de alto horno). Los hormigones se sumergieron, por distintos periodos de tiempo, en disolución de sulfato magnésico (MgSO4) de concentración 1M, para después realizarles ensayos mecánicos y a nivel microestructural. Los valores obtenidos se compararon con los obtenidos en el hormigón de referencia curado en hidróxido cálcico. El hormigón con escoria de alto horno presentó el mejor comportamiento frente a MgSO4, siendo las mezclas de humo de sílice y ceniza volante las más susceptibles. La resistencia del hormigón con escoria se atribuye a las características de los silicatos hidratados formados durante la hidratación, los cuales incorporan aluminio en las cadenas impidiendo su descomposición ante un ataque por magnesio. El medio con sulfato magnésico mostro una mayor agresividad que el medio con sulfato sódico.