Microstructural Evolution of Concrete under the Attack of Chemical, Salt Crystallization, and Bending Stress
Publication: Journal of Materials in Civil Engineering
Volume 29, Issue 7
Abstract
The present work investigates the microstructural evolution process of concrete under chemical attack by magnesium sulfate solution or a composite solution (sodium sulfate and magnesium chloride), salt crystallization attack through dry–wet cycles, and bending stress. The composition and microstructure are studied in detail using X-ray diffraction (XRD) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The results of the relative dynamic elastic modulus and visual inspection analysis indicate that damage and deterioration of concrete from the composite solution are more serious than those from magnesium sulfate. Moreover, damage and deterioration of concrete under chemical attack are remarkably accelerated by salt crystallization and bending stress. According to the microstructural analysis, crack initiation elements (a new concept) are present in the concrete, which are expected to lead to crack generation and expansion in the concrete. After the corrosion of concrete under chemical attack, salt crystallization attack and bending stress for 903 days, several crack initiation elements are found in the SEM photographs of the concrete, and a grouping of microcracks appears in the concrete. These microcracks form a network by diffusion and connection. The results show that the composite solution is a more severe corrosion medium than magnesium sulfate, according to a comparison of the crack width.
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Acknowledgments
The financial support from the National Key Basic Research Development Plan of China (973 Plan, 2015CB655102) and the National Natural Science Foundation of China (Nos. 51508272 and 51678304) are greatly acknowledged. The authors thank Ying Lv for her help in writing this paper.
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©2017 American Society of Civil Engineers.
History
Received: May 6, 2016
Accepted: Oct 26, 2016
Published ahead of print: Mar 27, 2017
Published online: Mar 28, 2017
Published in print: Jul 1, 2017
Discussion open until: Aug 28, 2017
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