The durability of concrete is affected by physical, mechanical and chemical causes. The durability of concrete is most affected by chemical causes, which result in volume change, cracking of concrete and ultimately leading to deterioration of concrete. Now we shall discuss the effect of chemical causes on the durability of concrete. The effects are: 1. Alkali-Aggregate Reaction 2. Attack by [...]
Sulphates are chemical salts, which dissolve in water forming solution. Sulphates are found in most of the soils as calcium, potassium, sodium and magnesium sulphates. Out of these sulphates the solubility of calcium sulphate is low. Due to less solubility of calcium sulphate in water, ground contains less calcium sulphate than others. Ammonium sulphate usually is present in agricultural soil [...]
Carbonation can be defined as the reaction of carbon dioxide CaO2 with the hydrated cement. The carbon dioxide gas is present in the atmosphere with varying percentage from rural to urban and highly industrialized area. In rural area air, the amount of CO2 is found 0.03% by volume, 0.1% or even more in urban areas and more than 0.3% in [...]
White dealing with the durability aspect of concrete, the chloride effect on concrete is the most important factor as it causes the corrosion of reinforcement of concrete. The statistical studies have shown that more than 40% structures have failed due to the corrosion of reinforcement steel. Due to high alkaline nature of calcium hydroxide (pH value about 13) in concrete [...]