Enhancing Sulfate Erosion Resistance in Ultra-High-Performance Concrete through Mix Design Optimization Using the Modified Andreasen and Andersen Method

Abstract

This study presents an in-depth investigation into optimizing the mix design of ultra-high-performance concrete (UHPC) for enhanced sulfate erosion resistance, utilizing the modified Andreasen and Andersen (MAA) method. By testing the mechanical properties and slump flow of UHPC, it was determined that the optimal W/B = 0.2, and the best volume content of steel fibers is 2%. Through long-term tests lasting 360 days on three groups of UHPC specimens under different curing conditions, their mass loss, compressive strength corrosion resistance coefficient, surface appearance, and erosion layer thickness were tested. The results indicate that under sulfate attack, the mass and compressive strength corrosion resistance coefficients of UHPC specimens showed a trend of first increasing and then decreasing, due to the formation and expansion of ettringite and gypsum. The thickness of the erosion layer increases over time. By 360 days, the internal damage caused by sulfate attack is about twice as severe as it was after 60 days. However, the addition of steel fibers was found to effectively mitigate these effects, reducing mass loss and preserving the structural integrity of UHPC.