Effects of C3A and mineral admixtures on the sulfate attack using ASTM C 1012

Abstract

There are three major properties that influence concrete sulfate resistance: The chemistry of the Portland cement, the permeability of the concrete, and the chemistry and replacement level of mineral admixtures. In order to investigate the effect of those on the sulfate attack, the testing program involved testing several different mortar mixes using the standardized test, ASTM C 1012. Four different cements were evaluated including one Type I cement, two Type I-II cements, and one Type V cement. Mortar mixes were also made with mineral admixtures as each cement was combined with three different types of mineral admixtures. One Class F fly ash, one Class C fly ash, and one ground granulated blast furnace slag (GGBFS) was added in various % volumetric replacement levels. Expansion measurements were taken and investigated with expansion criteria recommended from past experience. Copyright © 2005 by ASTM International.