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During the past few years delayed ettringite formation (DEF) has probably received more attention, and been involved in more controversy, than any other concrete deterioration mechanism. Even its name has been subject to dispute. Our extensive experience on the investigation of many occurrences of DEF is presented here as a series of questions, with some answers. Where answers have become available, they have explained phenomena that have greatly bothered us and other investigators. Where answers are not available, the questions will provide directions for needed research.

The effects of chemical transformation processes on the frost and frost-deicing salt resistance of concrete are much less significant than the physical effects, but they are nevertheless significant. Our investigations showed that monosulfate (AFm phase) is particularly instable and will transform to ettringite (AFt phase) under frost and also under frost-deicing salt attack. This delayed formation of ettringite, which is supported by thermodynamic conditions at low temperatures, may reduce considerably the frost and frost deicing salt resistance of concretes without air-entrainment.

Delayed Ettringite Formation (DEF), a form of internal sulfate attack, is a subject of considerable current interest and concern, as well as of controversy. In such an atmosphere, it is not surprising that conflicting data and interpretations were presented, and, as a consequence, some of them cannot be corrected. This volume presents 16 papers of varying viewpoints and interpretation in hopes of stimulating thinking and additional research and possibly help in the process of developing a sounder scientific understanding of the DEF phenomena. Note: The individual papers are also available as .pdf downloads.. Please click on the following link to view the papers available, or call 248.848.3800 to order. SP177

Since the past 25 to 30 years, preferably heat treated precast concrete members (> 70 “C) manufactured with high early strength Portland Cements with higher sulphate contents, under adverse exposure conditions have some-times exhibited structural damage in the form of map cracking and loss of strength. These damages are characterized as Damaging Late Ettringite Formation (DLEF) (1). The cause for the increased occurrence of DLEF starting about 1970 is to our opinion the world wide increase of the permissible sulphate contents of the Portland-Cements (2-5). It is important that 1 wt.-% SO3 can form 5 wt.-% of ettringite or 7.7 wt.-% thaumasite. In “German directions“ a maximum heat treatment (HT) temperature of 80°C is specified for concrete exposed to dry environmental conditions. For concrete‘ exposed to intermediate or permanent wet conditions, a maximum HT temperature of 60°C is specified. Though the standard does not provide clear directions, if is believed that cements containing pozzolanic admixtures can be subjected to more intensive HT (6). DLEF is caused by a formation, destruction and a later renewed forma-tion of ettringite occuring preferably after HT at > 70°C of pastes, mortars and concretes made with high strength Portland cements. - Very early start of HT showed no significant influence on DLEF. Late or repeated HT resulted in more severe or repeated damaging. - Humidities < 95 % at 20°C resulted up to 780 d of starage in no DLEF. - After treatment with interim some FTC and/or cured at low temperatures provoked more early and severe destruction.

Changes in the cement manufacturing process such as the use of higher sulfur fuels have tended to raise clinker sulfate levels and SO3/alkali ratios. As a consequence, interground gypsum additions to cement have dropped because more sulfate is available from the clinker. Also, these clinker sulfates tend to be available as double sulfate salts; calcium langbeinite instead of potassium sulfate. What is the impact of clinkers with high SO, level on concrete performance; mainly on its workability and durability ? The aim of this study is to provide some answers to this question. Cements made from either high SO, clinker or low SO, clinker and gypsum or hemihydrate, but with a given chemical composition, have been simulated by pure phase materials and hydrated up to one hour. Calcium langbeinite is rapidly dissolved. Because of its dissolution rate and ability to form “blocking ettringite”, high calcium langbeinite clinkers should provide improved rheological properties. Moreover, cements made with clinkers containing significant quantities of calcium langbeinite should have a similar workability and durability to a cement made with a low sulfate clinker to which larger quantities of gypsum have been added. The dissolution rate of anhydrite potentially existing in very high SO3/alkali clinker has also been simulated. Experiments indicate that it dissolves and reacts quite quickly so that it should not provide any durability problem if present in cement and concrete.