Effect of Dry-Wet Cycles on the Transport and Mechanical Properties of Cement Mortar Subjected to Sulfate Attack

This study deals with the analysis of detrimental effects a “sulfate attack” on cement mortar for different dry-wet cycles. The mass loss, tensile strength, and gas permeability coefficient were determined analyzed under exposure conditions. At same time, nitrogen adsorption (NAD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD) techniques used to analyze corresponding variations in microstructure corrosion products. results show that certain properties evolve differently according durations cycles some damage is caused mortars aqueous solution. pores fill products, increasing specimen strength while reducing pore size distribution. As proceeds, crystallization pressure products increases, resulting 16% reduction from initial value 2.6-factor increase coefficient, indicating sensitivity sulfate attack damage. Furthermore, main generated experiment are gypsum ettringite. Application osmotic extension immersion time can accelerate erosion process.