Reduction of Concrete Expansion by Ettringite Using Crystallization Inhibition Techniques

Abstract

Research Article| April 01, 2003 Reduction of Concrete Expansion by Ettringite Using Crystallization Inhibition Techniques HYOMIN LEE; HYOMIN LEE 1Department of Geological and Atmospheric Sciences, 253 Science I, Iowa State University, Ames, IA 50011-3212 Search for other works by this author on: GSW Google Scholar ROBERT D. CODY; ROBERT D. CODY 1Department of Geological and Atmospheric Sciences, 253 Science I, Iowa State University, Ames, IA 50011-3212 Search for other works by this author on: GSW Google Scholar ANITA M. CODY; ANITA M. CODY 1Department of Geological and Atmospheric Sciences, 253 Science I, Iowa State University, Ames, IA 50011-3212 Search for other works by this author on: GSW Google Scholar PAUL G. SPRY PAUL G. SPRY 1Department of Geological and Atmospheric Sciences, 253 Science I, Iowa State University, Ames, IA 50011-3212 Search for other works by this author on: GSW Google Scholar Environmental & Engineering Geoscience (2003) 9 (4): 313–326. https://doi.org/10.2113/9.4.313 Article history first online: 02 Mar 2017 Cite View This Citation Add to Citation Manager Share Icon Share MailTo Twitter LinkedIn Tools Icon Tools Get Permissions Search Site Citation HYOMIN LEE, ROBERT D. CODY, ANITA M. CODY, PAUL G. SPRY; Reduction of Concrete Expansion by Ettringite Using Crystallization Inhibition Techniques. Environmental & Engineering Geoscience 2003;; 9 (4): 313–326. doi: https://doi.org/10.2113/9.4.313 Download citation file: Ris (Zotero) Refmanager EasyBib Bookends Mendeley Papers EndNote RefWorks BibTex toolbar search Search Dropdown Menu toolbar search search input Search input auto suggest filter your search All ContentBy SocietyEnvironmental & Engineering Geoscience Search Advanced Search Abstract Many researchers have proposed that secondary or delayed ettringite is responsible for serious, premature deterioration of concrete highways. The current research project was designed to determine experimentally if secondary ettringite formation in concrete can be reduced by treating the concrete with commercial crystallization-inhibitor chemicals. The hypothesis is that if ettringite is reduced, a concomitant reduction of concrete expansion and cracking will occur. If ettringite formation and concrete deterioration are simultaneously reduced, then the case for ettringite-induced expansion/cracking is strengthened. Our experiments used four commercial inhibitors—two phosphonates, a polyacrylic acid, and a phosphate ester. Concrete blocks were subjected to continuous-immersion, wet/dry cycling, and freeze/thaw cycling in sodium sulfate solutions and in sulfate solutions containing an inhibitor. The two phosphonate inhibitors were effective in reducing ettringite nucleation and growth in the concrete. Two other non-phosphonate inhibitors were somewhat effective, although less so than the two phosphonates. Reduction of new ettringite formation in concrete blocks also reduced expansion and cracking of the blocks. This relationship clearly links concrete expansion with ettringite formation. Secondary ettringite nucleation and growth must cause concrete expansion, because the only effect of these inhibitor chemicals is to reduce crystal nucleation and growth. These inhibitors cannot be responsible in any other way for reduction in expansion. You do not have access to this content, please speak to your institutional administrator if you feel you should have access.