Effects of biaxial confinement in mortars exposed to external sulfate attack

Research on external sulfate attack (ESA) is usually performed on small scale specimens under free expanding conditions. However, most field structures cannot expand freely due to confinement induced by the ground or other elements from the structure. As a result, ESA usually develops in confined conditions. This work aims to assess the interaction of gradual biaxial compression stresses generated by confinement with the ESA. Visual appearance, mass and ultrasonic velocity were monitored to characterize the macro-scale behavior of free and restrained mortar samples. Changes on phase composition and crystal morphology induced by confinement were evaluated by X-Ray diffraction and scanning electron microscopy. The confining stresses generated were estimated during the attack. Results indicate that ESA is not developed equally in free and confined specimens. The confinement limits sulfate availability, reduce the amount of ettringite precipitated and might induce changes on crystal morphology that reduce the degradation caused by the ESA.