Recovery from Sulfate Attack in Concrete via Electrokinetic Nanoparticle Treatment
Publication: Journal of Materials in Civil Engineering
Volume 23, Issue 7
Abstract
Microstructural damage induced by sulfate attack in concrete is a cause of primary concern in building foundations and other structures. Most research focuses on prevention. In contrast, the concept of damage recovery has not received significant attention. Studies were conducted using alumina-coated-silica nanoparticles to facilitate an electrochemical recovery of strength. Treatments were applied to extract sulfates while the nanoparticles were being injected. Initial sodium sulfate exposure on cylindrical concrete specimens was conducted for a period of 30 days. This exposure induced body cracking and microstructural damage. The specimens were subjected to electrokinetic treatment using a constant current density of for 7 days. Raman spectroscopy and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) analysis revealed significant sulfate content in the sulfate-exposed specimens that was not detected in the treated cases. Raman spectroscopy also indicated a higher C-S-H among the treated specimens, and MIP analysis indicated that the treated specimens exhibited a 40% reduction in threshold pore size. The treated specimens also exhibited a 33% increase in compressive strength while the volume porosity decreased by one-third. These findings indicated that the electrokinetic recovery treatment removed sulfates, reduced the volume porosity, and restored a significant amount of compressive strength.
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Information
Published In
Journal of Materials in Civil Engineering
Volume 23 • Issue 7 • July 2011
Pages: 1103 - 1112
Copyright
© 2011 American Society of Civil Engineers.
History
Received: Sep 14, 2010
Accepted: Dec 20, 2010
Published online: Dec 22, 2010
Published in print: Jul 1, 2011
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