Influence of various factors on leaching of hexavalent chromium from cement concrete

On the basis that cement concrete are used in various life cycle stages, we examined the leaching tests. In the case of using ordinary Portland cement, the leaching amount of hexavalent chromium was influenced by total chrome content and chemical component and the amount was decreased with the hydration. On the other hand, carbonation was found to cause the decomposition of cement hydrates and the release of fixed hexavalent chromium. Moreover, in the case of using Portland blast-furnace slag cement type B, the hexavalent chromium hardly leached, due to reduction action of blast-furnace slag.