The Effect of Chlorides on the Thaumasite Form of Sulfate Attack in Limestone Cement Concrete

Abstract

In this paper the effect of chlorides on the thaumasite form of sulfate attack in limestone cement concrete is studied. Concrete specimens made from ordinary Portland cement and two Portland limestone cements (limestone content 15% and 35% respectively) were prepared. After 28 days of curing the specimens were immersed in six solutions of various sulfate and chloride content and stored at 5oC. Visual assessment of the specimens, mass measurements and compressive strength tests took place for a period of 24 months. XRD method was used to identify thaumasite in the deteriorated parts of the specimens. All measurements showed that Portland cement concrete exhibits a lower degree of deterioration than Portland limestone cement concrete. Specimen disintegration was more severe, the higher the limestone contents of the cements and the higher the sulfate content of the corrosive storage solutions. Chlorides play an inhibitory role, delaying the deterioration of the concrete specimens. XRD analysis showed the presence of thaumasite at the deteriorated parts of the specimens after nine months of curing.