Improving Sulfate Resistance of Concrete 

Mechanism
Soil or groundwater containing sulfates can be detrimental when in contact with concrete. The chemical reactions that occur could result in deleterious expansive forces within the concrete matrix and deterioration of the concrete that, in effect, crack and crumble the concrete.

Prevention
Sulfate resistance of the concrete can be controlled and durability improved by utilizing BASF’s chemical admixtures and supplementary cementitious materials.

• Rheomac SF 100 silica fume improves the resistance of concrete to sulfate attack by reducing permeability.

• Rheocrete 222+ admixture  functions by lining the capillary pores with a hydrophobic layer that effectively reduces concrete permeability and improves sulfate resistance.

Articles

• 1997 ACI SP 173 "Durability of Concrete Containing an Ester-Amine Admixture to Sulfate and Sulfuric Acid Environments"
• 1997 Materials Performance "Decreasing Concrete Sewer Pipe Degradation Using Admixtures"