11.3.1. Chemical Attack

Try these first

1. 1.

   What is sulfate attack?

   Hint

   Think about substances that might be present in soil or water.

2. 2.

   What does acid attack do to concrete?

   Hint

   Consider what acids typically do to minerals.

3. 3.

   What do sulfate attacks produce in concrete?

   • Cracks
   • Shrinkage
   • Rapid Hardening

   Hint

   Think about what kind of damage would occur over time.

4. 4.

   True or False: Acid attacks strengthen concrete.

   • True
   • False

   Hint

   Consider the role of acids in chemistry.

5. 5.

   Analyze a case study of a structure that suffered from sulfate attack. What were the design flaws that led to the deterioration?

   Hint

   Analyze the environmental conditions the concrete was subjected to.

6. 6.

   Propose a design solution to mitigate the effects of ASR in a new concrete project.

   Hint

   Which materials can contribute to reducing alkali content?