Title:
Direct Pyrrhotite Testing and Map Cracking Risk Assessment Using a Magnetic Susceptibility Loss and Total Sulfur Method
Author(s):
Jonathan Gourley,
Publication:
Web Session
Volume:
ws_F23_JonathanGourley.pdf
Issue:
Appears on pages(s):
Keywords:
DOI:
Date:
10/29/2023
Abstract:
A novel pyrrhotite testing method of concrete and other rock materials will be presented to determine the abundance of pyrrhotite using the unique magnetic properties of pyrrhotite and relationship with total sulfur. This method has been used in over 500 homes in Connecticut and Massachusetts and is a rapid technique to screen both concrete and rock quarry material for pyrrhotite and sulfur. The concentration of pyrrhotite-positive concrete can be used to construct a logistical regression model for assessing map-cracking risk in homes. We introduce the age of concrete into the model as a second variable to further assess the potential for foundations of a particular age, combined with concentration, to experience map cracking.