THE EFFECT OF FLY ASH ON THE SULFATE RESISTANCE OF CONCRETE. INTERIM REPORT

The durability of concrete is determined by its ability to endure the physical and environmental surroundings without losing the functional properties and structural integrity of the original design. Concrete containing fly ash can be proportioned to meet the durability requirements of a wide range of applications, such as concrete for mass structures, pavements, structural members, and high strength applications. One area where the long term performance of concrete containing fly ash is not clearly understood is in sulfate environments. The sulfate attack mechanism in concrete containing fly ash has been related in recent years to the mineralogical and chemical composition of the cementitious and pozzolanic material. This study investigated the interrelationship between the physical, mineralogical and chemical characteristics of portland cement, fly ash, and their proportions, and the sulfate resistance of concrete containing fly ash. Eighteen fly ashes and five portland cements have been studied at four levels of volumetric replacement of fly ash for portland cement. Other variables studied were workability, air content, curing conditions, and permeability. The fly ashes were characterized by performing chemical, physical and mineralogical analyses. Over 700 specimens were submerged in a 10% sodium sulfate solution. The specimens were measured for expansion, mass change, and cracking. The study has revealed a strong correlation between the glassy composition of fly ash and the sulfate resistance of concrete.

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• Record URL:
  https://rosap.ntl.bts.gov/view/dot/16241
• Supplemental Notes:
  • Research study title: Durability and Performance of Concrete Containing Fly Ash.
• Corporate Authors:

  University of Texas, Austin

  Center for Transportation Research, 3208 Red River Street
  Austin, TX  United States  78705

  Texas State Department of Highways & Public Transportation

  Transportation Planning Division, P.O. Box 5051
  Austin, TX  United States  78763

  Federal Highway Administration

  1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE
  Washington, DC  United States  20590
• Authors:
  • Tikalsky, P J
  • Carrasquillo, R L
• Publication Date: 1989-8

Media Info

• Features: Appendices; Figures; References; Tables;
• Pagination: 346 p.

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Air content; Chemical analysis; Concrete; Concrete curing; Concrete tests; Durability; Fly ash; Laboratory tests; Mineralogy; Permeability; Physical properties; Portland cement; Pozzolan; Sulfates; Workability
• Uncontrolled Terms: Sulfate resistance
• Old TRIS Terms: Concrete composition
• Subject Areas: Geotechnology; Highways; Materials; I32: Concrete;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 00497282
• Record Type: Publication
• Report/Paper Numbers: FHWA/TX-90+481-5, Res Rept 481-5, CTR 3-5/9-87-481-5
• Contract Numbers: Study 3-5/9-87-481
• Files: NTL, TRIS, USDOT, STATEDOT
• Created Date: Sep 30 1991 12:00AM