Abstract

An accelerated experimental investigation was conducted to study the effect of high sulfate concentration on concrete compressive strength. The effect of sulfate exposure on concrete compressive strength was evaluated by immersing concrete specimens (100-mm cubes) in a 10% magnesium-sulfate solution. The variable parameters were the type of cement, mixture proportions, curing period, and period of sulfate attack. Test results showed that the use of a high W-C ratio with Type I cement produced weak concrete with a loss of compressive strength up to 50% after 15 months of sulfate exposure. Using a rich mixture with Type V cement and a low W-C ratio produced dense impermeable concrete that showed no losses of strength even after 15 months of sulfate exposure in a hot humid environment.

Issue Section:
Research Papers
Keywords:
accelerated sulfate attack, cement, chemical attack, compressive strength, concrete, curing, durability, magnesium sulfate, mixture proportions, polluted ground water, sulfate attack

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