Sulphuric acid resistance of plain, polymer modified, and fly ash cement concretes

Classic approaches to polymer-modificated Portland cement based materials usually forget the specific nature of the precast concrete industry and also the economic impacts of each technical option. This manuscript report results of a wider investigation which aims to understand what is the best option for the concrete pipe industry as far as sulphuric acid resistant is concerned, polymer addition or polymer impregnation. Results show that the use of polymer addition it is not economically attractive when compared to polymer impregnation. The increase of costs per meter of pipe is too high. The use of polymer impregnation enhances the chemical resistance of concrete considerably. Furthermore, it is economically viable, especially for smaller diameters. Results also show that using sulphate resistant cements improve the chemical resistance without cost increase.