Title:
Sulfate Attack on Concrete: Laboratory vs. Field Experience
Author(s):
Harvey Haynes
Publication:
Concrete International
Volume:
24
Issue:
7
Appears on pages(s):
64-70
Keywords:
DOI:
Date:
7/1/2002
Abstract:
I have worked for three decades in California, where sulfate-rich soils are common, and in my experience, chemical sulfate attack on concrete is minimal and material distress caused by it is rare. Currently in California, there are dozens of litigation cases related to sulfate attack on residential concrete foundations. Laboratory research indicates that concrete can be quite susceptible to chemical attack by sulfates and that considerable damage may result. How can laboratory findings show significant deterioration, while concrete in the field exposed to sulfate-rich soils seldom suffer from sulfate attack? In this paper, an attempt is made to explain this discrepancy.