C Byregowda institute of technology
Kolar
• Name -Rajesh aradhya.s
• USN -1CK22CV011
• Semister -5th sem
• Department -civil Submitted to
Prof. Arun Kumar
SULPHATE ATTACK AND
CHLORIDE ATTACK ON
CONCRETE
**Chloride attack on concrete** is one of the most
common forms of chemical deterioration that affects the
durability of reinforced concrete structures. It primarily
occurs when chloride ions (Cl⁻), often from de-icing salts,
seawater, or industrial chemicals, penetrate the concrete
and reach the embedded steel reinforcement. This attack
leads to **corrosion of the steel reinforcement**,
ultimately weakening the structure.
Mechanism of Chloride Attack
1. Chloride Penetration:
- Chlorides penetrate the concrete through pores, cracks, or diffusion.
- Sources include seawater exposure, de-icing salts, or contaminated
water.
2. Passive Layer Breakdown:
- Steel in concrete is usually protected by a thin passive oxide layer due
to the high alkalinity (pH ~12-13) of concrete.
- Chloride ions disrupt this passive layer, exposing the steel to oxygen
and moisture.
3. Corrosion Initiation:
- Once the passive layer is compromised, the steel reinforcement
starts corroding.
- Corrosion forms rust, which has a larger volume than steel, causing
internal stresses in the concrete.
4. Expansion and Cracking:
- Rust formation leads to cracking, spalling, and delamination of the
concrete cover.
- This accelerates further chloride ingress, creating a vicious cycle.
Effects of Chloride Attack
- Reduction in structural strength and service life.
- Cracks and spalling in concrete.
- Increased maintenance costs and potential for
structural failure.
SULPHATE ATTACK
Sulphate attack on concrete is a chemical
deterioration process caused by the interaction of
sulfate ions (SO₄²⁻) with the components of hardened
cement paste. It can significantly weaken concrete
over time, compromising its structural integrity.
Sulfate attack is a critical concern in structures
exposed to sulfate-rich environments such as soil,
groundwater, industrial effluents, or seawater.
Mechanism of Sulfate Attack
1. Sulfate Penetration:
- Sulfates enter the concrete through pores or cracks.
2. Chemical Reaction:
- Sulfates react with calcium hydroxide (Ca(OH)₂), calcium
aluminate hydrate (C₃A), and other compounds in the cement
paste.
- Formation of expansive products such as:
- Gypsum (CaSO₄·2H₂O)
- Ettringite (C₆A₃H₃₂S₃)
3. Expansion and Stress:
- The formation of these products causes volume expansion,
leading to internal stress.
4. Cracking and Deterioration:
- Stress results in cracking, spalling, and disintegration of
concrete.
Effects of Sulfate Attack
- Expansion and cracking of concrete.
- Loss of strength and stiffness.
- Surface scaling and disintegration.
- Reduced durability and service life.
Prevention and Mitigation
1. Material Selection:
- Use sulfate-resistant cement (e.g., Type V cement).
- Include supplementary cementitious materials (SCMs) like fly ash,
silica fume, or slag to reduce permeability.
2. Mix Design:
- Reduce the water-to-cement ratio to lower porosity.
- Use well-graded and non-reactive aggregates.
3. Construction Practices:
- Ensure proper curing to reduce permeability.
- Minimize cracks through adequate reinforcement and joint design.
4. Environmental Protection:
- Apply protective coatings or sealers to exposed surfaces.
- Use impermeable membranes in sulfate-rich soils.
5. Maintenance:
- Regular inspections to identify early signs of sulfate attack.
- Repair cracks and damaged areas promptly.
