Study and Characterization of Crystal Growth in the Pores of Cement Mortar

Durability of concrete or cement mortar is one of the great concern among construction industry. The main reason for such durability problems is transport properties of cement mortar after the cement mortar set. Permeation, absorption and diffusion of water through the pores and pore connectivity cause a durability problem. In this study, these pores and pores connecting pathways are blocked by the process of pores crystallization. This is achieved by admixing certain well known crystals forming chemicals such as sodium acetates, potassium acetates and other salts of sulphates at various percentages and allowing the cement mortars to for crystal. This process of arresting transport of water into the mortar is partially new concept which has worked well and reduction in penetration of water is measured by sorption, Electrical resistance, Hollow cylinder method and Water absorption. The results are discussed in detail and optimum solution percentages are explained.