Sulfate attack testing approaches from concrete to cement paste: A review by RILEM TC 298-EBD

Materials and Structures, vol. 58

Abstract

Abstract Most existing test methods determine the sulfate resistance of concrete using accelerated methods in the laboratory, on mortar or concrete specimens. However, these accelerated tests often use high sulfate concentrations or require very complicated setups, which may alter the deterioration mechanisms, while still being laborious and time-consuming. Additionally, the need for more sustainable binders and distinctive properties of systems incorporating emerging supplementary cementitious materials (SCMs) may limit the applicability of conventional test methods. In this context, the Working Group 3 of RILEM TC 298-EBD aims to develop simple accelerated test methods on cement pastes for evaluating sulfate resistance, which directly investigate the reactive component of concrete. Working at this scale can provide reliable results in a much shorter time than traditional tests on mortars and concretes, while providing means to assess the impact of different SCMs and binders on the resistance to sulfate attack. This paper presents our first step, a critical literature review on sulfate deterioration testing from the concrete/mortar to the cement paste scale. We present a general introduction to sulfate attack, common test parameters, assessment methods, test setups for paste specimens, a discussion of potential approaches, and concluding remarks. Insights gained from this review will be instrumental in establishing an effective and reliable approach to sulfate deterioration testing on cement paste specimens.

Authors 12

1. Qiao Wang corresponding Aachen Institute of Building Materials Research

   RWTH Aachen University

   Affiliation as printed

   Institute of Building Materials Research, RWTH Aachen University, Aachen, Germany

2. Wolfgang Kunther

   Technical University of Denmark

   Affiliation as printed

   Department of Environmental and Resource Engineering, Technical University of Denmark, Kongens Lyngby, Denmark

3. Visalakshi Talakokula

   Mahindra University

   Affiliation as printed

   Department of Civil Engineering, Mahindra University, Hyderabad, India

4. Gomasa Ramesh

   Mahindra University · SR University

   Affiliation as printed

   Department of Civil Engineering, Mahindra University, Hyderabad, India

   Department of Civil Engineering, School of Engineering, SR University, Warangal, India

5. Sofiane Amroun

   University of Miami

   Affiliation as printed

   Civil and Architectural Engineering, University of Miami, Coral Gables, FL, USA

6. Diego Jesus De Souza

   Technical University of Denmark

   Affiliation as printed

   Department of Environmental and Resource Engineering, Technical University of Denmark, Kongens Lyngby, Denmark

7. Mahipal Kasaniya

   University of New Brunswick

   Affiliation as printed

   Department of Civil Engineering, University of New Brunswick, Fredericton, NB, Canada

8. Ilda Tole

   University of Bath

   Affiliation as printed

   Department of Architecture and Civil Engineering, University of Bath, Bath, UK

9. Xuerun Li

   BASF (Germany)

   Affiliation as printed

   BASF Construction Additives GmbH, Trostberg, Germany

10. Robert Douglas Hooton

    University of Toronto

    Affiliation as printed

    Departmeny of Civil and Mineral Engineering, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada

11. Prannoy Suraneni

    University of Miami

    Affiliation as printed

    Civil and Architectural Engineering, University of Miami, Coral Gables, FL, USA

12. William Wilson

    Université de Sherbrooke

    Affiliation as printed

    Department of Civil and Building Engineering, Université de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, QC, Canada