The disintegration of concrete containing sulphate-contaminated aggregates

Problems related to concreting in the Middle East and similar localities have renewed interest recently in the disintegrating effect of sulphate-contaminated aggregates. The paper describes a research programme initiated to study the influence of sulphate-contaminated fine aggregates upon the strength and volume changes of cement mortars. Experimental details are given of tests carried out on more than three thousand specimens. Factors such as type of cement, sulphate content and tricalcium aluminates were fully studied. Allowable limits for the SO₃ content that can be incorporated into the concrete without adversely affecting its properties were established.