Title: Damage of concrete by sulphate attack and alkali-silica reaction

Authors: M. Collepardi

Addresses: ENCO, Engineering Concrete, Ponzano Veneto (TV), Via delle Industrie 18, Italy

Abstract: A holistic approach was adopted to examine concrete durability by taking into account both physical aspects (such as capillary porosity, micro-cracking, macrovoids) and chemical reactions. A ternary representation of the complex damage process in reinforced concrete structures was used by examining the coexistence of the main three factors affecting the concrete durability: a) interconnected porosity; b) exposure to aggressive agents; c) presence of water. This model was adopted to examine two specific examples of the concrete damage dealing with the cement matrix and the embedded aggregates: sulphate attack of the cement matrix and alkali-aggregate reaction.

Keywords: alkali-silica reaction; ASR; corrosion; delayed ettringite formation; DEF; concrete damage; concrete durability; sulphate attack; superplasticisers; capillary porosity; micro-cracking; macrovoids; chemical reactions; water; cement matrix; embedded aggregates; structural engineering.

DOI: 10.1504/IJSTRUCTE.2010.031479

International Journal of Structural Engineering, 2010 Vol.1 No.2, pp.108 - 115

Published online: 05 Feb 2010 *

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