Chemical Properties of Construction Materials

This presentation explains the chemical properties of construction materials — an essential topic for understanding how materials react with environmental conditions and chemical agents.

It covers important properties such as corrosion resistance, alkalinity, acidity, efflorescence, sulphate attack, carbonation, and chemical stability. These properties significantly influence the durability, strength, and service life of structures, and are crucial in selecting materials for various environmental exposures.

1. = =

Chemical Prop

Construction M:

Compiled & Presented by:

Mrunali Vasava

2. Properties of
Construction

Materials

Chemical
Properties

Mechanical

Physical
Properties

Properties

3. Chemical Properties of Materials ss

+ Chemical properties describe how materials react with chemicals, gases,
water, and environmental agents.

+ These reactions can affect strength, durability, and appearance of
materials.

+ Understanding chemical properties helps in selecting materials for long-term
performance and environmental resistance.

+ Common chemical effects:

+ Corrosion, Acid attack, Carbonation, Sulfate attack, and Alkali reactions.

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4. Importance of Chemical Properties ss

+ Help in material selection for different environmental conditions.
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+ Ensure durability of concrete, metals, and masonry.

+ Prevent structural deterioration due to chemical attack.

+ Required for marine, industrial, sewage, and underground structures.

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5. Chemical Properties of Construction Materials

+ Chemical Properties like:

Chemical Resistance,

Corrosion Resistance,
Alkali-Aggregate Reactivity (AAR),
Acid Resistance,

Carbonation Resistance,

Chloride Resistance,

Efflorescence,

Oxidation Resistance, etc.

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6. Chemical Resistance ss

Ability of a material to resist attack from chemicals like acids, alkalis, or
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salts.

Ensures long-term service life in chemical plants, sewage works, and marine

structures.

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7. Corrosion Resistance y

+ Ability of metal or alloy to withstand degradation due to reaction with
moisture, oxygen, or chemicals.

+ Prevents steel reinforcement corrosion in RCC, metal pipelines, and roofing
sheets.

+ Units: mm/year (rate of corrosion).

+ Caused by oxidation and electrochemical reaction.

+ Controlled by galvanization, painting, or using stainless steel.

8. Alkali-Aggregate Reactivity (AAR) y”

+ Reaction between alkalis in cement and reactive silica in aggregates.
+ Maintains long-term structural integrity of concrete.
+ Causes expansion and cracking in concrete.
+ Prevention:
+ Use low-alkali cement.

+ Avoid reactive aggregates.

9. Sulfate Attack Resistance at

+ Ability to resist the harmful effect of sulfate ions present in soil or
groundwater.

+ Crucial for structures in coastal and sewage areas.

« Effect:

+ Expansion, cracking, and loss of strength in concrete.

+ Prevented by using sulfate-resistant cement. =

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10. — I ==

Acid Resistance y”

+ Ability to resist deterioration due to exposure to acidic environments (H2SO4,
HCl etc.).
+ Needed in industrial floors, drainage systems, chimneys, and factories.

+ Use acid-resistant bricks, tiles, or epoxy coatings.

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11. Oxidation Resistance ss

+ Resistance of metals to oxidation at normal or elevated temperatures.
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+ Prevents weakening of metallic parts exposed to heat and air (e.g., roofing

sheets, pipes).

+ Aluminum and stainless steel have good resistance due to protective film.

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12. Carbonation Resistance y”

+ Resistance of concrete to CO: attack which lowers pH and initiates corrosion
in reinforcement.
+ Increases service life of RCC in polluted and urban areas.
+ Decreases durability of RCC.
+ Prevention:
+ Use dense concrete. <Á

+ Proper curing and surface coatings.

13. Chloride Penetration Resistance y”

+ Ability of concrete to resist entry of chloride ions (from seawater or de-icing
salts).

+ Critical for marine structures, bridges, and highways.

+ Causes reinforcement corrosion and cracking.

+ Prevented by waterproofing, sealants, and low water-cement ratio.

+ Test: <

+ Rapid Chloride Penetration Test (RCPT).

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14. Tests for Chemical Properties |

Test Name

Purpose

Material Tested

Sulphate Soundness Test

Fo check resistance to
sulphate attack

Concrete, aggregates

Acid Resistance Test

To evaluate resistance
to acidic environments

Tiles, stones, bricks

+ To determine chloride

Chloride Content Test presence that causes + Concrete
corrosion
A T depth of
Carbonation Depth Test nn Conerete

carbonation

pH Test

+ To identify alkalinity

or acidity

Cement, soil, water

Efflorescence Test
IS: 3495 Part III

To detect soluble salts

Bricks

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15. Factors Affecting Chemical Durability ss

Composition and purity of material
pH of surrounding environment
Presence of moisture, salts, and gases
Temperature and humidity conditions
Exposure duration and maintenance

Quality of manufacturing or processing

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16. — I

Preventive Measures y

+ Use sulphate-resisting or low-alkali cements in aggressive environments.

+ Apply protective coatings (epoxy, bituminous, or polymer coatings).
+ Ensure proper drainage and waterproofing to prevent moisture entry.
+ Use corrosion inhibitors in reinforced concrete.

+ Conduct regular maintenance and inspections.

+ Select chemically compatible materials during design.

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17. Conclusion y”

+ Chemical properties govern durability and performance in chemical,
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marine, and polluted environments.
+ Proper material choice and protective measures enhance structure life.

+ Regular testing and preventive maintenance reduce deterioration.

18. References

+ Singh, P. (2013). Civil Engineering Materials. S. K. Kataria & Sons. ISBN: 978-
9350142962.a

+ Rangwala, S. C. (2022). Engineering Materials (32nd ed.). Charotar Publishing House Pvt.
Ltd. ISBN: 978-9390725234.

+ IS 456: Code of Practice for Plain and Reinforced Concrete

+ IS 383: Specification for Coarse and Fine Aggregates

+ Slidesgo. (n.d.). Free Google Slides and PowerPoint templates. Retrieved from
https://slidesgo.com

19. Do you have any questions?

o [email protected]