"Sulfate Soundness, Sulfate Attack, And Expansive Cement In Concrete"

Abstract

This paper describes how the phenomena related to the formation of hydrated sulfates in concrete, or in aggregates, cement pastes, or mortars has been investigated for many years for a variety of purposes. The cyclic immersion of aggregate particles in solutions of sodium or magnesium sulfate, followed by drying, is the basis of one of the oldest procedures employed to develop data purported to relate to aggregate "soundness." The storage of mortar specimens in sulfate solution is the basis of many tests for sulfate resistance of cements. Sulfate-resistance testing procedures in which the mortar is mixed with added sulfate and the specimens are stored in the water are in widespread use. These latter procedures are similar to procedures employed in studies of expansive cements.