Does gypsum formation during sulfate attack on concrete lead to expansion

Abstract Sulfate attack on Portland cement concrete is often said to arise from each of two major sulfate reactions: (1) The sulfate ions react with C 3 A and its hydration products to form ettringite with an increase in volume that results in expansion and subsequent cracking of the concrete; (2) The sulfate ions react with calcium hydroxide (CH) to form gypsum. Even though gypsum formation is generally accepted to be harmful, the specific mechanism is not well established. Especially, the idea that gypsum formation leads to any expansion is controversial. This paper covers an investigation carried out to study the gypsum formation during sulfate attack and its consequences. Two parts are included: Part 1 consists of the results of a literature review describing different theories supporting and contradicting the idea that gypsum formation is expansive. Part 2 describes the laboratory investigation carried out by the authors. The results suggested that gypsum formation during sulfate attack may cause expansion.

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