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Title: Deterioration of Alumina Cement Concrete

Author(s): V. Lach

Publication: Symposium Paper

Volume: 100

Issue:

Appears on pages(s): 1903-1915

Keywords: buildings; carbonization; chemical analysis; collapse; columns (supports); compression tests; deterioration; failure mechanisms; high-alumina cements; reinforced concrete; X-ray diffraction; General

DOI: 10.14359/3835

Date: 4/1/1987

Abstract:
It has been stated that some structures failed due to the use of alumina cement. This failure was connected with the physical and chemical changes of concrete. The reason for this effect has been studied on the samples prepared from a concrete structure that collapsed suddenly after 30 years of use without any symptoms of defects. Various methods of examination were used, e.g., chemical and thermal analysis, X-ray diffractometry, scanning electron microscopy, besides mechanical tests. The failure was attributed to a combination of two main factors. First, the hydrated alumina cement was converted and then carbonated so that gibbsite and calcite, which have slight binding properties, were formed. The highly converted and carbonated concrete lost considerable strength and could not sustain the stress in the construction.