SRPC and modified concretes subjected to severe sulphuric acid attack

Mortar and concrete cubes have been immersed in a channel containing a 3% solution of continuously flowing sulphuric acid. The cementitious materials examined were: ordinary Portland cement containing polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) and pulverized-fuel ash; sulphate-resisting Portland cement, and a proprietary dense mortar. The change in weight with time of each cube was measured for up to 81 days. The effect of the PVA was to preserve the integrity of the cubes, and possibly slow down the rate of acid attack. The rate of acid attack on the SRPC concretes was similar to that on OPC concretes. The dense mortar had much improved resistance to sulphuric acid attack, and the improvement was enhanced with increased volume fraction of aggregate.