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Engineering Implications of the Oxidation of Pyrite: An Overview, with Particular Reference to Ireland

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Implications of Pyrite Oxidation for Engineering Works

Abstract

This overview provides a background to the processes by which the oxidation of iron sulphides can lead to distress in structures, with particular reference to the problems which have occurred in Dublin in the 2000s. It discusses the formation of pyrite and pyrrhotite and the chemical reactions involved in their oxidation, the effects of the oxidation process and how its by-products can lead to both heave and/or the degradation of concrete. Examples are provided from Canada, the UK and Ireland. Attention is drawn to the significance of the different forms of iron sulphide and the nature of the various host lithologies. The factors which affect the rate/extent of oxidation are considered. Having reviewed the relevant guides and Standards, attention is drawn to some difficulties in assessing the potential for sulphate-related damage to structures and the limitations of the documentation currently available. Some common misunderstandings in interpreting the results of both physical and chemical tests on pyritiferous material are discussed. Acceptability criteria and the assessment of marginal material are considered.

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Acknowledgments

The author is grateful to Menolly Homes, Ballymun Regeneration, Dublin City and many others for agreement to use the photographs and information in the chapter. Particular acknowledgement is given to Mike Eden of Sandbergs who took many of the SEM photographs, Austin Murphy for his meticulous record-keeping and help with the data and Simon Powell for some of the photographic work. Much of the work in Ireland could not have been done without the help, encouragement and constructive criticism of James Lombard. I am also grateful for the assistance of Marcus Hawkins who prepared many of the diagrams and Tom St John who helped with the research and the manuscript. The contribution of past Ph.D students is acknowledged.

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    A. Brian Hawkins

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Hawkins, A.B. (2014). Engineering Implications of the Oxidation of Pyrite: An Overview, with Particular Reference to Ireland. In: Implications of Pyrite Oxidation for Engineering Works. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-00221-7_1

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