- Author : Julie Ann Hartell
- Publisher :
- Release : 2014
- ISBN :
- Pages : pages
Investigating Various Test Methods for Assessing the Effect of Sulfate Attack on Concrete Properties
Download or read book Investigating Various Test Methods for Assessing the Effect of Sulfate Attack on Concrete Properties written by Julie Ann Hartell and published by . This book was released on 2014 with total page pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: "The degradation mechanisms related to the numerous chemical and physical reactions associated with external sulphate attack are undeniably complicated and are difficult to assess in the field. This study compares various sodium sulphate exposure regimes by using novel testing procedures to assess the level of sulphate attack degradation throughout an extended exposure period. A total of four exposure regimes designed to simulate those encountered in practice were replicated to compare the differences between each transport mechanism: diffusion, diffusion combined with wet-dry cycling, evaporative wicking and wicking combined with wet-dry cycling. The laboratory specimens were exposed for periods of 3, 6, 12, 18 or 24 months to three different solutions; the ASTM standard solution (5% Na2SO4), a less concentrated version representative of severe field exposure (2% Na2SO4) and the control solution (lime-saturated). Once the end of the exposure term was reached, the specimens were subjected to a series of mechanical tests. This investigation evaluated the potential and reliability of various testing techniques to identify a sulphate related distress and to quantify its extent. Prior to destructive testing, ultrasonic pulse velocity was conducted; herein, two test frequencies were compared (54 kHz and 300 kHz). The change in tensile strength was measured in three different ways: an indirect splitting tensile test, a four point bending test and a direct gas pressure tension test. During the splitting tensile tests, acoustic emission monitoring was used to quantify and qualify damage progression under stress by locating the events in three dimensional space. The results demonstrate the sensitivity of each test in measuring the variance in mechanical properties related to the sulphate exposure types and offered insight into which experimental procedure is better suited for early sulphate damage detection. " --