Title:
Durability of Reactive Powder Concrete When Subjected to a leaching Test
Author(s):
V. Matte, M. Cheyrezy, M. Moranville, C. Richet,
and J-M Torrenti
Publication:
Symposium Paper
Volume:
200
Issue:
Appears on pages(s):
433-446
Keywords:
diffusion; leaching; microstructure; mineralogy; porosity;
reactive powder concrete
DOI:
10.14359/10593
Date:
6/1/2001
Abstract:
The Reactive Powder Concretes (RPC) are well known for their high strength, but they also present good performances regarding durability aspect due to their very dense microstructure. Studies were made to evaluate the durability of RPC to : freeze-thaw scaling, carbonation, chloride ions diffusion, abrasion coefficient and shrinkage. Their very good performance characteristics have led to a specific research programme to evaluate the long-term durability of RPC for nuclear waste containment. Several kinds of potential degradation are studied, but here only the attack by de-ionised water, a very severe leaching test, will be presented. After pre-determined periods, the material was analysed regarding its microstructure (altered depth, composition and mineralogical changes), porosity and ion transport properties. The results of SEM, X-Ray diffraction, mercury intrusion porosimetry, BET pore-size and tritium diffusion coefficient analyses are presented.