Using limestone aggregates and different cements for enhancing resistance of concrete to sulphuric acid attack

A research program was undertaken to improve concrete's resistance against sulphuric acid attack. Six concretes were investigated, four using calcareous limestone aggregates and two using silicious aggregates. Cements used in these concretes included a portland cement, a binary cement containing ground granulated blast furnace slag, and two ternary cements containing slag and silica fume or fly ash and silica fume. All the concretes had the same water/cement ratio of 0.4, with compressive strengths in the range of 45 MPa and 58 MPa at the age of 28 days. In the experiment, concrete cylinders were immersed in 1% sulphuric acid solution and they were periodically examined for appearance, measured for mass change and tested in compression up to 168 days. The concrete using limestone aggregates and the ternary cement containing silica fume and fly ash performed the best.