Abstract
The effect of sulfate attack (SA) on the strength of ultrahigh-performance concrete (UHPC) made with different replacements (0%, 50% and 100% by weight) of natural fine aggregate with recycled fine aggregate (RFA) was investigated. The UHPC samples were soaked in 10% sodium sulfate solution for 0–180 days (SA duration). The sulfate ion concentration, flexural strength and compressive strength of the UHPCs were investigated. The microstructure of the UHPCs before and after SA was analysed using a multi-technique approach (analysis of interfacial transition zones (ITZs), X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy–energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy and mercury intrusion porosimetry). The results showed that, with an increase in SA duration, the compressive strength of the UHPC made with RFA increased. The generated gypsum and ettringite refined the microstructure by converting harmful pores (>20 nm) into harmless pores (<20 nm) in the UHPC matrix. For the same SA duration, the sulfate ion concentration of UHPC increased with an increase in RFA content due to more ITZs, pores and microcracks introduced by the RFA. Strength development models for UHPC with different RFA contents under SA were developed.
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