Effects of Sulphates on the Characteristics of Ordinary Portland Cement

Abstract

This project presents the results of an experimental investigation in which the effects of sulphates on the initial and final setting times of ordinary Portland cement and compressive strength of cement is investigated. It was observed that the type of Sulphate and the ion concentration affect the setting times significantly; the increase in initial setting time is more prominent. The parameters reduce the compressive strength of cement at different ages. In the present study water cement ratio is taken depending on the normal consistency arrived based on different concentrations of sulphates mixed with OPC (Ordinary Portland Cement) an increase in setting times is observed as the concentration of sulphates in the cement paste increased. The soundness test results also showed an increased pattern which means that there is an increase in volume of cement paste because of sulphate attack. Compressive strength characteristics also showed an increased pattern when compared to cubes cast with distilled water