The role of aggregates in hygrothermal corrosion of concrete

Introduction. Long-term operation of concrete products and structures under conditions of elevated temperature and humidity leads to deterioration of the physical and mechanical properties of concrete, which is caused by changes in the structure and phase composition of the cement matrix. In this regard, the study of the role of fine aggregates in the processes of cement matrix destruction under water-thermal exposure is of particular interest.

Materials and methods. Materials used for research: Portland cement CEM I 42.5N manufactured by “Oskolcement” CJSC; industrial screening of crushed quartzite sandstone by Lebedinsky Mining and Processing Plant; fine aggregate from crushed quartzite sandstone and granite in laboratory conditions. The compressive and bending strength of the specimens was determined using a hydraulic press PGM-100MG4. The microstructure was studied using a Tescan Mira 3 SEM. An STA 449 F1 Jupiter NETZSCH synchronous thermal analyzer was used to analyze the hydration products. Ultrasonic testing was performed using a Pulsar 2.2 device.

Results. It was established that concrete specimens made of quartzite sandstone exhibit a higher thermal and moisture resistance index compared to specimens made of granite aggregate. This is due to the higher absorption of lime by quartzite sandstone, which leads to the formation of thermodynamically stable compounds under conditions of high humidity and temperature. The continuous increase in the speed of the ultrasonic signal in the thermal and moisture-cured concrete specimens with the studied aggregates indicates a slowdown in the destructive processes caused by the recrystallization of hydrate phases. At the same time, due to the interaction of aggregate minerals with hydrated phases, the adhesion to the cement matrix and the strength characteristics of concrete increase.

Conclusions. Comprehensive studies showed that the most stable structures in thermo-humidity conditions are created in fine-grained concretes based on quartzite sandstone. The results obtained indicate the need for careful selection of aggregates, taking into account their ability to form thermostable hydrate phases.

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