Effect of sulfuric acid environment on fracture parameter of concrete

Abstract

Fracture tests have been conducted on three plain concrete mixes in normal environment and sulfuric acid environment. Fracture energy GF based on work of fracture method, and fracture energy Gf based on size effect method, have been determined in both of the environments. Effect of sulfuric acid environment is explored by exposing the notched beams of the different concrete mixes to 2, 5 and 8% concentrations of the acid. Relations between the different parameters of investigation such as loss in weight, loss in fracture energy GF and loss in fracture energy Gf are presented. Tests conducted are compressive strength, split tensile strength, modulus of elasticity, impermeability and triple-point bend tests. Results reveal that deterioration of concrete increases as the concentration of acid increases, and decreases as the compressive strength of concrete increases. Percentage loss in weight and percentage loss in fracture energy decrease with increase in compressive strength of concrete. An empirical equation, a function of concentration of acid and time of exposure, to estimate percentage loss of fracture energy against sulfuric acid attack, is calibrated and validated.