Evolution of LWAC–OC interfacial properties during sulfate dry–wet cycles: Bonding strength and micro–properties

Abstract

The interface properties between lightweight aggregate concrete (LWAC) and ordinary concrete (OC) have drawn significant research interest. However, its evolution during sulfate dry–wet cycles has yet to be elucidated. Therefore, the LWAC–OC composite specimens were subjected to 15 cycles of dry and wet cycles test, using 5 wt% sodium sulfate solution. The dry–wet cycling method consisted of complete immersion for 7 days, followed by natural drying for 8 days. Moreover, tests for splitting tensile, direct shear, scanning electron microscopy and microhardness were conducted on the LWAC–OC interfaces at varying numbers of dry and wet cycles. The results showed that the failure mode of specimens changed from mixed cohesive failure to interfacial bonding failure during sulfate dry–wet cycles. Direct shear and splitting tensile strength slightly increased and then markedly decreased as the number of dry–wet cycles increased. The ratio of direct shear strength to splitting tensile strength showed a distinct negative linear relationship with the number of sulfate dry–wet cycles. Moreover, when the number of dry–wet cycles increased, the porosity of interfacial transition zone first decreased and then increased. The mean value of the interfacial micro–hardness first increased and then decreased. Interfacial micro–properties correlated well with bonding strength throughout the process.