Deterioration of Cement-Based Materials in Low-Temperature Seawater

Cementitious materials have potential for infrastructure development in low-temperature marine environments, including in seawater at high latitudes and in deep-sea environments (water depths of >1000 m). Although the marine deterioration of cementitious materials has been widely investigated, the influence of seawater temperature has not been elucidated. In this study, to determine the effects of low-temperature seawater on the durability of cementitious materials, cement paste specimens were immersed in a seawater tank at room temperature and 2 °C for 433 days. The specimen immersed in low-temperature seawater exhibited significant deterioration with a partially collapsed surface, whereas the specimen immersed in room-temperature seawater maintained its original shape. Following low-temperature immersion, Ca dissolution was more pronounced and dissolved portlandite, decalcified calcium (alumino)silicate hydrate (C-(A-)S-H), magnesium (alumino)silicate hydrate (M-(A-)S-H), and thaumasite were observed on the collapsed surface. Such significant deterioration can be attributed to the increased solubility of portlandite under low-temperature conditions, which could promote Ca dissolution and subsequently lead to C-(A-)S-H decalcification and the formation of M-(A-)S-H and thaumasite. These insights are expected to contribute to the successful construction and maintenance of cementitious structures in low-temperature seawater.