Investigation on the technical properties of sulfate resistant cement, a potential alternative to Portland cement for aggressive environments

Sulfate Resistant Cement (SRC) is an alternative material to Portland cement designed to improve the performance of concrete in areas where sulfate attack may be expected. The sulfate resistance of Portland cement depends on its tricalcium aluminate (C3A) content. The latter must be at least less than 5% to avoid the formation of ‘secondary’ ettringite, an expansive product obtained by the reaction of aluminates with sulfates. This work, carried out at the SIGUS-Oum El Bouaghi cement plant, contributed to a study of the chemical characteristics and physical-mechanical properties of a sulfate-resistant cement destined for aggressive environments. The methodology adopted was based on a comparative study of two types of cement, CEM II /A - L 42.5 N and CEM I 42.5 N-SR5. Both cements' production lines and monitoring tests were performed in accordance with current standards. The results of the chemical analyses show a difference in the proportions of oxides in the composition of the raw meal, and in the mineralogical composition of the clinkers of each type of cement. The behaviour of the two cements studied in normal and aggressive environments was also investigated.