Title: Pyrrhotite Oxidation - Insights into Laboratory Testing of Concrete Expansion and Deterioration, and the Acceleration of Reaction Rates
Presented By: Sampa Akter, University of Connecticut and Meshach Ojo, University of Connecticut
Description: The oxidation of pyrrhotite is expansive and releases sulfuric acid. Its reaction rate is dependent on the availability of water and oxygen, but also on the temperature, the pH value, available reaction surfaces and the severity of secondary reactions due to an internal sulfate attack of the concrete. This presentation provides some insights into the types of laboratory testing and the obtained test results related to pyrrhotite oxidation. This includes time dependent concrete mortar expansion, accelerated expansion and cracking of concrete cylinders through electro-chemical testing, as well as isolated oxidation reactions.