Sulfate resistance of limestone cement concrete exposed to combined chloride and sulfate environment at low temperature

Concrete durability was investigated, taking under consideration the limestone content of the cement used, as well as the effect of chlorides on concrete’s deterioration due to the thaumasite form of sulfate attack. A normal Portland cement and two Portland limestone cements (15% and 35% w/w limestone content) were used for concrete preparation. The specimens were immersed in two corrosive solutions (chloride-sulfate; sulfate) and stored at 5 ± 1 °C. Visual inspection of the specimens, mass measurements and compressive strength tests took place for 24 months. Concretes containing limestone, as cement constituent and/or as aggregate, suffered from the thaumasite form of sulfate attack, which was accompanied by brucite and secondary gypsum formation. Limestone cement concretes exhibited higher deterioration degree compared to the concrete made without limestone cement. The disintegration was more severe and rapid, the higher the limestone content of the cement used. Chlorides inhibit sulfate attack on concrete, thus delaying and mitigating its deterioration.