Title: Sulfate Resistance of a Canadian Slag Cement

Author(s): R. Doug Hooton and John J. Emery

Publication: Materials Journal

Volume: 87

Issue: 6

Appears on pages(s): 547-555

Keywords: accelerated tests; blast furnace slag; concrete durability; long-time study; mortars (materials); portland cements; sulfate resistance; portland slag cements; slags; Materials Research

DOI: 10.14359/2501

Date: 11/1/1990

Abstract:
Tests to evaluate the sulfate resistance of concrete made with portland cement partially replaced by a separately ground, pelletized slag from Hamilton, Ontario, were initiated in 1977. Over 1000 cylinders were cast from eight concrete mixes made with normal, moderate, and sulfate-resisting cements, and 45, 65, and 72 percent slag replacement. These were exposed to water and different strengths of sulfate solutions, ranging from 1000 to 3000 mg/l SO4 for 8 yr, after which some were exposed to accelerated 50,000 mg/l SO4 solutions. The tests were augmented by a large, two-part series of more than 23 different mortar mixes using a method similar to the standardized ASTM C 1012 procedure. These mortar bars were exposed to deionized water and various sulfate solutions ranging from 3000 to 50,000 mg/l. Variables included C3A content of portland cements, slag replacement level, alumina content of slag, sulfate salt type, and compressive strength at first exposure.