Abstract: Through uniaxial compressive test on sulfate-corroded concrete specimens after loading, we investigated the influences of load level and sulfate solution concentration on the mechanical properties and erosion mechanism. Furthermore, we compared the mechanical properties with those of high strength concrete. Results revealed that 1) with the increase of load level, the peak stress, elastic modulus and peak strain of non-corroded specimens decreased, whereas the peak stress and elastic modulus of specimens corroded by sulfate solutions of 5% or 10% concentration decreased while peak strain increased; 2) when load level remained constant, as solution concentration increased, the peak stress and elastic modulus of specimens decreased, and the peak strain increased; 3) as load level and solution concentration increased, the stress-strain curves of ordinary concrete and high strength concrete plumped gradually, and the main mechanical indices of ordinary concrete changed more significantly than those of high strength concrete. The research results can provide certain reference basis for the design of pre-damaged concrete structures under sulfate environment.

Key words: high strength concrete, mechanical properties, loading, sulfate corrosion, ordinary concrete