PROGRESSION OF DETERIORATION OF HARDENED CEMENT UNDER SULFURIC ACID ENVIRONMENT

Abstract

In this study, the mortar specimens exposed into 0.1 to 0.5% concentration of sulfuric acid solution for up to 12 months were evaluated by several degradation indexes, in order to clarify the influence of the concentration of sulfuric acid solution and mix proportion on the progression of deterioration of hardened cement. According to the test results, it was found that the progression of deterioration is classified into three types, namely expansion-spalling type, penetration-dissolution type, and penetration-undissolution type. Furthermore, it was clarified that the sulfuric acid resistance of hardened cement is high in the case of (1) low water-cement ratio, and (2) high sand-cement ratio.