Title:
Sulfur Concrete: Understanding/Application
Author(s):
Scott S. Pickard
Publication:
Concrete International
Volume:
3
Issue:
10
Appears on pages(s):
57-67
Keywords:
concrete construction; concrete finishing
(fresh concrete); concretes; floors; mixers; mix pro-portioning;
pavements; physical properties; placing;
plasticizers; ready mixed concrete; sulfur.
DOI:
Date:
10/1/1981
Abstract:
Sulfur concrete uses sulfur as the binding agent for aggregate and therefore replaces the cement and water components of a regular portland cement con-crete mix. Sulfur concrete may prove to be a cost-effective substitute for portland cement concrete in certain applications which take advantage of its unique characteristics: (1) high strength and fatigue resistance; (2) excellent corrosion resistance against almost all acids and salts; (3) extremely rapid set and strength gain; (4) remeltable and reusable without changing its chemical properties; (5) relatively safe to use. However, sulfur concrete’s commercial success will depend upon solving two key problems: (1) developing the necessary sulfur supply and transport infrastructure to enable the price of sulfur delivered to be competitive with the price of cement delivered; (2) developing material and performance specifications to speed acceptance by government and industry. This article develops the above conclusions within the framework of three broad subject areas: the history of sulfur concrete’s development; the physical and chemical characteristics of sulfur concrete; and the practical application of sulfur concrete. [Author]