The combined effect of water and temperature on the strength of sulfur concrete

Abstract

An experimental program was performed on the combined effect of water and temperature on the compressive strength of sulfur concrete. Sulfur concrete samples were prepared, using three different types of aggregate, and immersed in water maintained at constant temperature of 20°, 40°, and 60° C for a period of one day up to 28 days. The compressive strength of these samples was determined at 3, 7, 14 and 28 days and compared to the strength of other samples prepared from the same batches, but, cured in air at room temperature. Significant strength loss has been obtained during the first 7 days of immersion in water at all temperatures and for the different types of aggregate. To determine the effect of immersion in water on the internal structure of sulfur concrete, scanning electron micrographs have been obtained for samples immersed in water and other samples kept in air at room temperature.