Experimental Study on the Strength and Deformation Characteristics of Concrete under True Triaxial Compression after Sulfate Attack

Abstract

To explore the mechanical properties of concrete under true triaxial static compressive load after sulfate attack, uniaxial static compression test and true triaxial static compression test at four stress ratios were carried out on concrete specimens immersed in 15% sulfate solution for 0–120 days by the integrated true triaxial static and dynamic load testing system, and the variation of performance indicators such as the strength and deformation of concrete under the coupling action of sulfate attack and complex stress state was analyzed. The results show that the uniaxial compressive strength of concrete increases at the beginning and then decreases with the increase of sulfate attack time and reaches the peak on the 30th day, with an increase rate of 16.57%; the strength of concrete under triaxial compression increases significantly, and the maximum triaxial compressive strength is 3.18 times of uniaxial compressive strength under the combination of 0-day sulfate attack and 0.2 : 0.8 stress ratio; and the deterioration of concrete under sulfate attack is more prominent at high confining pressure, and as the sulfate attack worsens, the sensitivity of triaxial compressive strength of concrete to lateral compressive stress is reduced. In conclusion, triaxial compression can significantly enhance the ductility of concrete by playing a role in restraining the deformation and cracking of concrete after sulfate attack.