Terminology and Acid Resistance Test Procedure and Sorptivity Test Procedure

Ternary Blended Cement Mortar: -
A ternary mixture is one that contains portland cement and two other
materials in the binder, blended either at the cement plant or at the
batch plant. The materials included may be interground limestone or
supplementary cementitious materials (SCMs) such as slag cement,
fly ash, silica fume, or metakaolin.
Cementitious materials: -
Cementitious materials are substances that form a paste when mixed
with water and then set and harden at room temperature.
pozzolanic reactivity: -
Pozzolanic reaction is defined as the chemical reaction between
reactive silica or alumina present in the FA particles and portlandite
formed during the cement hydration in the presence of water at
ambient temperature.
Acid Resistance Test on Cement Mortar Specimens
An acid resistance test evaluates how well cement mortar holds up when exposed to
acidic environments. This test is crucial in applications where mortar will be in contact
with acids, such as:
 Industrial floors in chemical plants

 Sewerage systems
 Battery storage tanks
 Acid brick linings
There are various standards for conducting acid resistance tests, such as ASTM C267 in
the US or IS 4456 in India. Here's a general overview of the test procedure:
Materials and Equipment:

 Cement mortar specimens (typically cubes or prisms) prepared according to a
specific mix design and cured for a predetermined time (usually 28 days).
 Acid solution (type and concentration will depend on the expected exposure
conditions). Common choices include hydrochloric acid (HCl) or sulfuric acid
(H2SO4).
 Containers for submerging the specimens in the acid solution.
 Balance for measuring weight changes.
 Optional: Compressive strength testing machine (for measuring residual strength
after acid exposure).
Procedure:
1. Preparation: Measure the initial weight of each mortar specimen.
2. Immersion: Submerge the specimens completely in the acid solution for a
specified duration (usually 24 hours to several weeks).
3. Cleaning: After immersion, remove the specimens, clean them thoroughly with
water to remove any residual acid, and allow them to dry to a constant weight.
4. Weight measurement: Measure the final weight of each specimen after drying.
5. (Optional) Compressive Strength Test: For some tests, the residual
compressive strength of the specimens after acid exposure is measured using a
compressive strength testing machine.
Evaluation:
 The acid resistance of the mortar is assessed based on the percentage weight
loss compared to the initial weight. Higher weight loss indicates greater
degradation by the acid.
 The residual compressive strength (if measured) can also indicate the loss of
mechanical strength due to acid attack.
Factors Affecting Acid Resistance:
 Type of cement: Some cement types, like sulfate-resisting Portland cement,
offer better acid resistance.
 Water-cement ratio: Lower water-cement ratios lead to denser and more acid-
resistant mortars.
 Admixtures: Certain admixtures can enhance acid resistance.
 Curing conditions: Proper curing allows for better hydration and development of
the cementitious matrix, improving acid resistance.
By conducting acid resistance tests, engineers can select appropriate cement mortar
formulations for applications where acidic exposure is a concern.
Sorptivity Test on Cement Mortar Specimens
A sorptivity test measures the rate at which water is absorbed by cement mortar
specimens due to capillary suction. This test is valuable for understanding the
permeability and durability of mortar in environments prone to moisture ingress. Here's a
breakdown of the typical test procedure:
Materials and Equipment:

 Cement mortar specimens (prisms or discs with specific dimensions) prepared
according to a specific mix design and cured for a designated time (often 28
days).
 Balance with high accuracy for precise weight measurements.
 Ruler for measuring water depth.
 Container large enough to hold water and the specimens with minimal
headspace.
 Optional: Desiccator for drying specimens before testing (depending on the
standard).
Procedure:
1. Specimen Conditioning: Depending on the specific standard, specimens might
be oven-dried at a controlled temperature (e.g., 105°C) or pre-conditioned in a
specific relative humidity environment.
2. Weight Measurement: Measure the dry weight of each specimen using the high-
accuracy balance.
3. Test Setup: Fill the container with water to a predetermined depth. Place the
specimens upright on an elevated platform ensuring only the bottom surface is in
contact with water.
4. Water Absorption Monitoring: Periodically record the weight of each specimen
throughout the test. The recording intervals depend on the chosen standard but
are typically at short intervals initially, then gradually increasing over time.
Factors Affecting Sorptivity:
 Porosity and pore size distribution: Higher porosity and larger interconnected
pores lead to greater water absorption.
 Water-cement ratio: Lower water-cement ratios result in denser mortars with
lower sorptivity.
 Curing conditions: Proper curing allows for better hydration and a denser
microstructure, reducing sorptivity.
 Admixtures: Certain admixtures can be used to improve water repellency and
reduce sorptivity.
Applications:
The results from a sorptivity test can help predict the:
 Water permeability of mortar in structures exposed to moisture.

 Potential for moisture-related problems like efflorescence, cracking, and
corrosion of embedded steel.
 Suitability of mortar for specific applications like basements, retaining walls, or in
contact with splash zones.
By understanding the sorptivity of cement mortar, engineers can make informed

decisions about material selection and construction practices for durable and long-
lasting structures.

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Ternary Blended Cement Mortar: -

 Industrial floors in chemical plants

Materials and Equipment:

Materials and Equipment:

The results from a sorptivity test can help predict the:

 Water permeability of mortar in structures exposed to moisture.

By understanding the sorptivity of cement mortar, engineers can make informed

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