Inlfuence of early sulfate exposure on the pore network development of mortars

The objective of this paper is to evaluate the influence of sulfate exposure on the pore network development of several Portland cement matrices. MIP, XRD and SEM analysis were performed at different ages in samples exposed to sulfates after 2 days of casting. Results suggest that patterns of precipitation of the expansive products are linked to the degree of refinement of the pore network. During early stages of exposure, large pores concentrate a higher proportion of the expansive product formed. At later stages, precipitation evolves towards finer pore sizes.