Degradation mechanism of blended cement pastes in sulfate-bearing environments under applied electric fields: Sulfate attack vs. decalcification

Li, Chen; Li, Jiaqi; Ren, Qiang; Zhao, Yankun; Jiang, Zhengwu

doi:10.1016/j.compositesb.2022.110255

Degradation mechanism of blended cement pastes in sulfate-bearing environments under applied electric fields: Sulfate attack vs. decalcification

Journal Article · Mon Aug 29 00:00:00 EDT 2022 · Composites. Part B, Engineering

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1016/j.compositesb.2022.110255· OSTI ID:2008158

^[1]; Li, Jiaqi ^[2]; Ren, Qiang ^[1]; Zhao, Yankun ^[3]; Jiang, Zhengwu ^[1]

Tongji University, Shanghai (China)
Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL), Livermore, CA (United States)
East China University of Political Science and Law, Shanghai (China)

Applied electric fields, the reason behind stray currents, accelerate the ingress of sulfate into cementitious materials. To identify mitigation approaches, this study investigates the effects of slag and fly ash on sodium sulfate attacks of cement pastes under a constant electric current. The mineralogical alterations induced by the attacks were analyzed using X-ray diffractometry, thermogravimetric analysis, scanning electron microscopy, and thermodynamic modeling. The dissolution of aluminates in the slag and fly ash induced a monosulfate-rich area (>~20 mm from the cathode surface) to form next to the ettringite-rich area on the sample surface (<~20 mm). This effect reduced the availability of SO₄^2– in the pore solution, thereby hindering the penetration of sulfate. Meanwhile, the consumption of portlandite by the pozzolanic reaction lowered the decalcification resistance of the materials. This produced a wide area that endured the decomposition of portlandite and carbonate-AFm. Altogether, blending 30% fly ash did not improve the resistance of the material to either sulfate attacks or decalcification; blending 50% slag can effectively mitigate sulfate ingress, though decalcification may become a governing mechanism in the degradation process.

View Accepted Manuscript (DOE)

Research Organization:: Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL), Livermore, CA (United States)

Sponsoring Organization:: USDOE National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA)

Grant/Contract Number:: AC52-07NA27344

OSTI ID:: 2008158

Report Number(s):: LLNL--JRNL-830485; 1046687

Journal Information:: Composites. Part B, Engineering, Journal Name: Composites. Part B, Engineering Vol. 246; ISSN 1359-8368

Publisher:: ElsevierCopyright Statement

Country of Publication:: United States

Language:: English

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37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CHEMISTRY
42 ENGINEERING
Fly ash
Ground granulated blast furnace slag
Stray current
Sulfate attack
Thermodynamic modeling

Degradation mechanism of blended cement pastes in sulfate-bearing environments under applied electric fields: Sulfate attack vs. decalcification

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