Preventing Pyrrhotite Damage in Concrete

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Title: Preventing Pyrrhotite Damage in Concrete

Author(s): Dipayan Jana

Publication: Concrete International

Volume: 46

Issue: 5

Appears on pages(s): 42-47

Keywords: aggregate, test, expansion, distress

DOI: 10.14359/51740756

Date: 5/1/2024

Abstract:
Even at a level of less than 0.5% by mass of aggregate, pyrrhotite can cause extensive cracking and crumbling of concrete. Because such type of deterioration is rather new, a proper testing protocol to forecast potential damage in concrete is needed. The article discusses important factors that should be considered when developing such performance-based test protocol.

Related References:

1. Jana, D., “Concrete Deterioration from the Oxidation of Pyrrhotite: A State-of-the-Art Review,” Pyrite and Pyrrhotite, M.L.J. Maher, ed., Nova Science Publishers, Inc., Hauppauge, NY, 2023, pp. 137-221.

2. Jana, D., “Pyrrhotite Epidemic in Eastern Connecticut: Diagnosis and Prevention,” ACI Materials Journal, V. 117, No. 1, Jan. 2020, pp. 61-70.

3. Duchesne, J.; Rodrigues, A.; and Fournier, B., “Concrete Damage due to Oxidation of Sulfide-Bearing Aggregate: A Review of Recent Advances and Limitations,” RILEM Technical Letters, V. 6, 2021, pp. 82-92.

4. Duchesne, J.; Rodrigues, A.; and Fournier, B., “Overview of the Trois-Rivières (Québec, Canada) Pyrrhotite Issues,” Pyrite and Pyrrhotite, M.L.J. Maher, ed., Nova Science Publishers, Inc., Hauppauge, NY, 2023, pp. 109-136.

5. Brough, C.; Staniforth, B.; Garner, C.; Garside, R.; Colville, R.; Strongman, J.; and Fletcher, J., “High Risk Concrete Blocks from County Donegal: The Geology of Defective Aggregate and the Wider Implications,” Construction and Building Materials, V. 408, Dec. 2023, 14 pp.

6. Leemann, A.; Lothenbach, B.; Münch, B.; Campbell, T.; and Dunlop, P., “The ‘Mica Crisis’ in Donegal, Ireland – A Case of Internal Sulfate Attack?” Cement and Concrete Research, V. 168, June 2023, 14 pp.

7. Mauk, J.L.; Crafford, T.C.; Horton, J.D.; San Juan, C.A.; and Robinson, G.R. Jr., “Pyrrhotite Distribution in the Conterminous United States, 2020,” U.S. Geological Survey Fact Sheet 2020-3017, Mar. 2020, 4 pp.

8. Substitute House Bill No. 6646, Connecticut Public Act No. 21-120: “An Act Concerning Crumbling Concrete Foundations,” State of Connecticut, July 6, 2021, 10 pp., www.cga.ct.gov/2021/act/Pa/pdf/2021PA-00120-R00HB-06646-PA.pdf.

9. Massachusetts Senate Bill No. 548, “An Act Relative to Crumbling Concrete Foundations,” The Commonwealth of Massachusetts, Feb. 18, 2021, 7 pp.

10. EN 12620:2013, “Aggregates for Concrete,” European Committee for Standardization, Brussels, Belgium, 2013, 54 pp.

11. CSA A23.1:19, “Annex P, Impact of Sulphides in Aggregate on Concrete Behaviour and Global Approach to Determine Potential Deleterious Reactivity of Sulphide-Bearing Aggregates,” CSA Group, Toronto, ON, Canada, 2019, pp. 288-341.

12. ASTM C295-08, “Standard Guide for Petrographic Examination of Aggregates for Concrete,” ASTM International, West Conshohocken, PA, 2008, 9 pp.

13. ASTM C1260-23, “Standard Test Method for Potential Alkali Reactivity of Aggregates (Mortar-Bar Method),” ASTM International, West Conshohocken, PA, 2023, 5 pp.

14. CSA A23.2-25A-14, “Test Method for Detection of Alkali-Silica Reactive Aggregate by Accelerated Expansion of Mortar Bars,” CSA Group, Toronto, ON, Canada, 2015.

15. AASHTO T 380-19, “Standard Method of Test for Potential Alkali Reactivity of Aggregates and Effectiveness of ASR Mitigation Measures (Miniature Concrete Prism Test, MCPT),” American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials, Washington, DC, 2019, 61 pp.

16. ASTM C1314-21, “Standard Test Method for Compressive Strength of Masonry Prisms,” ASTM International, West Conshohocken, PA, 2021, 9 pp.

17. ASTM C1293/C1293M-20a, “Standard Test Method for Determination of Length Change of Concrete Due to Alkali-Silica Reaction,” ASTM International, West Conshohocken, PA, 2020, 6 pp.




  

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