Effect of the Addition of Microsilica on the Durability of Mortars Exposed To the Sodium Sulfate Attack

This article presents a detailed experimental study on the sulfate attack of mortars of self compacting concrete, and the effectiveness of employs micro silica and limestone fillers in the minimization of the damage resulting from such an attack. the test solution used to supply the sulfate ions and the cations was the sodium sulfate solution 4.5%. the solution saturated with lime was employed as the reference solution. the main variables investigated in the study were the type of cement and mineral addition. the expansion measured on p rims of mortar of (40x40x160) millimeters was employed to estimate their durability after exposure to the sodium sulfate solution attack during 91 days-specimens of mortars were visually examined to assess the extent of deterioration due to the sulfate attack. the x-ray diffraction was used to evaluate the microstructural nature of the sulfate attack. the test results proved that the use of micro silica had a beneficial effect on the expansion due to the sodium sulfate attack. while mortars with limestone filler have undergoes degradation even with the use of cement resistant to sulfates.