Engineering properties of concrete in a sulfate environment

Abstract

1.2 Objective This study investigated the effects of sulfate exposure on the mechanical properties of Portland cement concrete. Concrete specimens cast from mixtures composed of locally available aggregate and cement were exposed to a 10% (67,600 ppm) sodium sulfate solution for periods up to 2 years. During this exposure, the specimens were periodically tested for compressive strength, tensile strength, and dynamic modulus of elasticity to determine how the sulfate environment influenced the mechanical properties of concrete. 1.3 Scope This report presents a study intended to evaluate changes in mechanical properties of concrete deteriorating due to sulfate attack. Chapter 2 presents a literature review for sulfate attack on concrete. Mechanisms and characteristics of sulfate attack are explained, and previous works by other investigators are summarized to provide insight to the accelerated testing methods used in the current study. Chapter 3 explains the experimental procedures used in this study, the materials used in the study, the mixing procedure, and the testing procedures. Results obtained from the laboratory tests are presented and discussed in Chapter 4. Chapter 5 presents a summary of the study and the conclusions derived from the test results.