Title:
Effect of Chloride-Sulfate Ions on Reinforcement Corrosion and Sulfate Deterioration in Blended Cements
Author(s):
O. S. B. Al-Amoudi, Rasheeduzzafar, S. N. Abduljauwad, and M. Maslehuddin
Publication:
Symposium Paper
Volume:
132
Issue:
Appears on pages(s):
1105-1124
Keywords:
blast furnace slag; blended cements; chloride ions; corrosion; compressive strength; deterioration; durability; fly ash; scaling; reinforcing steels; silica fume; sulfate attack; Materials Research
DOI:
10.14359/2433
Date:
5/1/1992
Abstract:
There is an increasing tendency worldwide toward using cements blended with fly ash, silica fume, blast furnace slag, and natural pozzolans. Incorporation of these materials in concrete makes it dense and impermeable. While the effect of chloride and sulfate ions on the durability of blended cements is well documented, meager data are available on the synergistic effect of high concentrations of these salts on the durability performance of these cements. Since the structural components, especially foundations in the coastal areas in some parts of the world, are subjected to high concentrations of these salts, it is imperative to investigate the performance of blended cements in such environments. In this investigation, mortar and concrete specimens made with Type I cement blended with fly ash, silica fume, and blast furnace slag were exposed to a highly concentrated chloride-sulfate (2.1 percent SO4-- and 15 percent Cl- solution for a period of 540 days. The performance of these cements in resisting reinforcement corrosion was evaluated by monitoring half-cell potentials and measuring corrosion rates at periodic intervals. Deterioration due to sulfate ions was evaluated by visual survey, and measuring loss in compressive strength. Results indicate that surface deterioration and loss in strength was greater in blast furnace slag and silica-fume cement specimens compared to fly ash and plain cement specimens. Severe surface scaling and considerable reduction in strength (55 to 75 percent) was observed in the former cements. Moderate surface deterioration and loss in strength of about 25 percent was observed in fly ash and Type I cements. Corrosion of steel in silica fume and blast furnace slag was, however, much lower than in fly ash blended and Type I cements.