Title:
Efflorescence—Surface Blemish or Internal Problem? Part 1: The Knowledge
Author(s):
Adam Neville
Publication:
Concrete International
Volume:
24
Issue:
8
Appears on pages(s):
86-90
Keywords:
DOI:
Date:
8/1/2002
Abstract:
There exist few publications devoted to efflorescence in concrete, and hardly any recent ones. A practical booklet on the topic was published 20 years ago. It could be inferred from this situation that efflorescence is generally not a significant problem meriting a major study. In reports on suspected or alleged sulfate attack of concrete, I have found statements to the effect that any efflorescence is a manifestation of attack on concrete, and indeed that the appearance of efflorescence is an indication of serious and terminal damage. To decide whether efflorescence is a surface problem or internal one, we need first to review such knowledge as is available; this is done in the Part 1 article. Part 2, to be published in the next issue of Concrete International, will deal with the situation in practice.