Contribution of the fillers limestone on the durability of HCP in sulphate environnment

The formulation of concretes is often based on their structural function. The environment in which they are to be used is neglected and intervenes practically only on the choice of the nature of the binder and incidentally on the selection of the aggregates. In more or less aggressive situations, the effects of the loads determine the service life of the structure, but the quality of the concrete influences initially largely the aesthetic aspects and later, the penetration of aggressive agents which can modify the integrity of the structure. The goal of this study consists of formulating high performance concretes (HPC) with and without addition of fillers. A partial substitution of cement by fine limestone improves the behaviour of the concretes in sulphate bearing water. The mechanisms of degradation were connected to the development of the microstructure of material. They were observed under the scanning electron microscope (SEM) and were quantified by X-ray diffraction (XRD). These tests were supplemented by measurements of ultrasonic pulse velocity and mechanical strength.