This test method provides a means of assessing the sulfate resistance of mortars made using portland cement, blends of portland cement with pozzolans or slags, and blended hydraulic cements. Method C 452 is suitable for evaluating portland cements but not blended cements or blends of portland cement with pozzolans or slags.

The standard exposure solution used in this test method, unless otherwise directed, contains 352 moles of Na₂SO₄ per m³ (50 g/L). Other sulfate concentrations or other sulfates such as MgSO₄ may be used to simulate the environmental exposure of interest. Further discussion of these and other technical issues is given in the Appendix.

1.1 This test method covers the determination of length change of mortar bars immersed in a sulfate solution. Mortar bars made using mortar described in Test Method C 109/C 109M are cured until they attain a compressive strength of 20.0 ± 1.0 MPa (3000 150 psi), as measured using cubes made of the same mortar, before the bars are immersed.

1.2 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as the standard. The values shown in parentheses are for information purposes only.

1.3 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety and health practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.

Note 1—Warning: Fresh hydraulic cementitious mixtures are caustic and may cause chemical burns to skin and tissue upon prolonged exposure.