Sulfate Attack on Concrete in Kuwait and Sulfate Resistance of Seawater-mixed Concrete

Abstract

In Kuwait, where freshwater resources are scarce, the use of seawater-mixed concrete has been considered. In the Middle East countries where sulfate soils are widespread, it is necessary to confirm sulfate resistance of concrete. In a concrete member constructed in sulfate-bearing soil, different deterioration phenomena are expected to occur in the ground water level, from the ground water level to the ground surface, and above the ground surface. As a result of Na₂SO₄ immersion test using 10 mix proportions of mortar specimens, an admixture designed to precipitate larger amount of ettringite was found ineffective for sulfate resistance in seawater-mixed concrete. Based on the results of these experiments, it is necessary to prepare specimens using materials in Kuwait and to carry out exposure tests in the actual soil environment in Kuwait.