SULPHUR-IMPREGNATED CONCRETE

Sulphur is a low-cost molten material which solidifies on cooling and satisfies the 9 criteria required of a material that could impregnate concrete. High strength concretes have been produced by impregnating low-strength concretes (aggregate: cement ratio of 8-8.5) with sulphur. Lean concretes require only 3/4 or less of the amount of portland cement used in high-strength concretes. Sulphur impregnation of lean concrete increases its compressive strength from less than 1/3 to 1-1/2 times that of high strength concrete. Maximum absorption of sulphur is achieved by carrying out the impregnation in molten sulphur under vacuum. Recent work indicates that satisfactory impregnation levels may also be achieved without the use of vacuum. The 8-fold increase in compressive strength achieved in the vacuum is reduced to 5-fold without vacuum. Studies also show that while impregnation of high strength concrete increases its final strength to a value higher than that of low strength concrete, the relative increase in strength and the amount of sulphur absorbed are smaller. Sulphur impregnated concrete (SIC) may be used where high strength, resistance to water penetration, chemicals etc. are required. Available impregnating technology is applicable to precast concrete structures, while suitable technology for impregnating cast-in-place concrete needs to be developed.

• Corporate Authors:

  Sulphur Institute

  1725 K Street, NW
  Washington, DC  United States  20006
• Authors:
  • Platou, J
• Publication Date: 1975

Media Info

• Features: Figures; References; Tables;
• Pagination: p. 2-4
• Serial:
  • Sulphur Institute Journal
  • Volume: 11
  • Issue Number: 1

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Compressive strength; Concrete; High strength concrete; Impregnation (Engineering); Portland cement; Strength of materials; Sulfur; Technology; Vacuum
• Subject Areas: Geotechnology; Highways; Materials;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 00097418
• Record Type: Publication
• Report/Paper Numbers: 0039-4904
• Files: TRIS
• Created Date: Aug 13 1975 12:00AM