Sulfate Attack of Concrete: Transport Kinetics and Damage Mechanisms Examined In Situ by X-ray Methods

Georgia Tech Research Corporation, Atlanta GA

Investigators

Abstract

0084824 Deficiencies exist in the current understanding of sulfate attack reaction kinetics and damage mechanisms, and this lack of understanding of reaction fundamentals limits the production of concrete that is expected to exhibit long-term durability in sulfate containing environments. A multi-disciplinary team has planned an integrated research program employing a combination of x-ray techniques to improve current understanding of sulfate transport and damage mechanisms in cement-based materials. Under this proposal, the application of three-dimensional x-ray microbeam diffraction mapping, x-ray microtomography (i.e., very high resolution computed tomography or CAT scanning), and soft x-ray microscopy for non-destructive, in situ examination of sulfate damage will be developed.