Continue to Site

Eng-Tips is the largest engineering community on the Internet

Intelligent Work Forums for Engineering Professionals

  • Congratulations KootK on being selected by the Eng-Tips community for having the most helpful posts in the forums last week. Way to Go!

Concrete for Clarifier for Acid Mine Remediation

Status
Not open for further replies.

vincentpa

Structural
Nov 9, 2005
223
I am designing a concrete clarifier and treatment tanks for the remediation of a stream with acid mine drainage. I have read the ACI articles 201.2, 318, 350 & 1515. They offer general guidelines but do not offer any specifics as to when I need to provide a protective barrier. I know the concrete will be exposed to a moderate sulfate attack. The acid is sulfuric acid which is highly corrosive to concrete. What is the cut-off for providing a protective barrier for acid attack? I am specifying Type II cement for moderate sulfate exposure, W/C ratio = 0.45, and fly ash ASTM C 618 Class F. Is this enough? Or, do I need a chemically resistant barrier instead? This is the chemical composition of the water that the concrete will be permanently exposed to:
pH = 2.6-4.5
Acidity = 177.8-271.8 mg/l
Fe (total) = 21.9-45.9 mg/l
Al = 12.8-18.2 mg/l
Mn = 1.2-1.5 mg/l
SO4 = 334.2-535 mg/l
 
Replies continue below

Recommended for you

With the pH you noted and the fact that it is high in sulfuric acid, you need a barrier.

The sulfuric acid will severely attack the concrete, even with type II cement.
 
You can line the clarifier (T-Lock) or coat it. But nothing is fool or contractor proof.
I'm guessing someone in the mining business will have some better suggestions.
 
Status
Not open for further replies.

Part and Inventory Search

Sponsor