An alternative method to evaluate the sulphate resistance of cementitious binders

Although there have been a number of studies with proposed methods to evaluate sulphate resistance of cementitious mixtures, ASTM C1012 is still the most widely accepted performance method. However, the test often requires measurements that last from 6 months to a year, making it a very unpopular among practitioners. This paper presents a new method that is two to three times faster than the current ASTM test by accelerating the penetration and diffusion of sulphates, and inciting the chemical reactions between the hydrated cement paste and sulphate ions. Degradation was assessed on mortar specimens immersed in sodium sulphate solution (5% Na2SO4) by monitoring the variation in mass and the length change over time. When compared to the current ASTM method, the new method showed a significant acceleration in the rate of expansion with severe visual deterioration observed on the mortar bars in less than one-half the time.Peer reviewe