ISSN: 1945-7545
CODEN: GTJODJ
Page Count: 8

Evaluation of Sulfate Expansion in Soil-Cements

Ksaibati, K
Assistant professor, University of Wyoming, University Station, Laramie, WY

Huntington, GS
Materials staff engineer, Wyoming Department of Transportation, Cheyenne, WY

Abstract

This paper presents the results of an evaluation of internal sulfate attack in soil-cements. Differences in rates and amounts of expansion were evaluated for several aggregate types. Sulfate expansion of soil-cement was evaluated using a modified version of ASTM Test Method for Length Change of Hardened Hydraulic Cement Mortar and Concrete (C 157) that utilized a falling weight compaction procedure and large 76 by 76 by 286-mm bars. This paper compares this new test procedure with already established means of evaluating internal sulfate expansion of soil-cement. Expansion of small 25 by 25 by 286-mm bars compacted with a hand tamper was compared to expansion of the large bars compacted by a falling weight. Some small bars were cured in lime-saturated water, while others were cured in humid air. Much better results were achieved when curing took place in water. The new large bar method simulated field expansions better than the small bars. The use of small bars cured in lime-saturated water is recommended only when results are needed quickly. Large bars cured in water are recommended whenever time permits.

Keywords:
soil-cement, cement-treated base, sulfate expansion, carbonates, expansion rates, ettringite, thaumasite, compaction methods, curing environments

Paper ID: GTJ10352J
DOI: 10.1520/GTJ10352J
ASTM International is a member of CrossRef.