Sulfate attack on alkali-activated slag concrete

This paper presents an investigation into durability of alkali-activated slag (AAS) concrete in sulfate environment. Two tests were used to determine resistance of AAS concrete to sulfate attack. These tests involved immersion in 5% magnesium sulfate and 5% sodium sulfate solutions. The main parameters studied were evolution of compressive strength, products of degradation, and microstructural changes. After 12 months of exposure to the sodium sulfate solution, the strength decrease was up to 17% for AAS concrete and up to 25% for ordinary Portland cement (OPC) concrete. After the same period of exposure to the magnesium sulfate solution, the compressive strength decrease was more substantial, up to 37% for OPC and 23% for AAS. The main products of degradation were ettringite and gypsum in the case of Portland cement and gypsum in AAS. OPC samples had significant expansion, cracking, and loss of concrete, while AAS samples were not expanded but cracked in the test. During experiments with the sodium sulfate solution, some increase in strength of AAS concrete was recorded, likely due to continuing hydration.