Alkali-activated systems – durability aspects and testing procedures

Abstract

This paper analyses existing testing procedures for the external sulfate attack on Portland cement systems and their applicability, as well as unavoidable modifications, for alkali-activated systems. The accelerated testing procedure for the assessment of external sulfate attack on alkali-activated systems was developed based on the state of the art report CEN/TR 15697; dealing with testing/assessing the sulfate resistance performance of cements and related binders. The testing procedure was successfully applied to alkali-activated slag and the results are briefly discussed. Furthermore, in principle similar testing procedure was used for the assessment of decalcification resistance of alkali-activated slag and the results are also briefly discussed. The proposed testing procedures might be useful reference points for development of accelerated test for durability assessment of alkali-activated systems.