Effect of Different Admixtures on the Strength of Sulphur Concrete

Abstract

Abstract The strength of sulphur concrete is affected by factors such as type of aggregate, aggregate particle shape and texture, amount of sulphur binder in the mix, and type of admixture used. The density of this concrete is also affected by these factors. Some of these concretes perform poorly in moist conditions, as shown by loss of more than 30% strength. Increased amounts of sulphur binder adversely affect the strength of concrete; however, loss of strength of such mixes upon immersion in water is smaller. Type of aggregate influences the strength of concrete, but no correlation was found between the petrography and mineralogy of aggregates and the strength of concrete; the strongest aggregate did not always produce the strongest concrete. Four types of admixtures were employed: glycerin, crude oil, and two types of silanes. Glycerin and crude oil generally decreased the strength of sulphur concrete. Silane admixtures act as adhesion promoters and are capable of rendering the concrete hydrophobic. Concretes made with aggregates that were pretreated with silanes generally showed a dramatic increase in strength under both dry and wet conditions.