Effect of sulfur aggregates on mechanical resistance and durability for SFRHPC with the addition of slag

The transformation of sulfides present in the aggregate to sulfates causes internal sulfate attack (ISA) by formation of secondary ettringite in the hardened concrete. This pathological ettringite crystallizes, the generated pressure is greater than the tensile strength of the concrete. It generates internal swelling and causes disorders that can severely damage the structures. Favors to their structural and economic performance, high performance concrete steel fiber (SFRHPC) are increasingly used in construction. Increase productivity and reduce construction time on site. They provide substantial weight savings, therefore it is possible to build with less formwork, less concrete to set up and fewer reinforcement than ordinary concrete. The purpose of this study is to determine the effect of sulfur present in the hornfels crushed aggregates, on the mechanical strength, durability, and the microstructure of SFRHPC with the addition of blast furnace slag. In ordinary concrete, the pyrite aggregates cause cracking by expansion when they are in wet land. In high performance concretes this phenomenon is greatly reduced or absent. This is the result of a very low porosity, reduced flow of moisture that cannot propagate to aggregate. And sulfide is stable and cannot be transformed into aggressive sulfate.