TABLE OF CONTENTS The following notation is used in this chapter:
| Symbol | Definition |
|---|---|
| G s | Specific gravity of insoluble soil minerals |
| G sol | Specific gravity of soluble soil minerals |
| H | Thickness of soluble soil layer |
| M 0 | Initial dry mass (solubility test) |
| M f | Final dry mass (solubility test) |
| s | Settlement due to a loss of soluble soil particles |
| S L | Percent soluble soil particles |
The purpose of this chapter is to discuss other common soil tests. Specifically, the laboratory tests discussed in this chapter are the sulfate test, solubility test, and laboratory tests used for the design of pavements.
There are four principal causes of concrete deterioration: sulfate attack, alkali-silica reaction (ASR), corrosion of reinforcing steel, and freeze-thaw cycles (Collepardi 1999). Only concrete deterioration due to sulfate attack is covered in this book.
Sulfate attack of concrete is defined as a chemical and/or physical reaction between sulfates (that is, SO 4) and concrete or mortar. The sulfates are usually present in the soil or groundwater. The primarily chemical reaction is between the sulfate and hydrated calcium aluminate in the cement-paste matrix, often causing deterioration ( ACI 1990).
Sulfate attack of concrete occurs throughout the world, especially in arid areas, such as the southwestern United States. In arid regions, the salts are drawn up into the concrete and then deposited on the concrete surface as the groundwater evaporates, such as shown in Fig. 13.1. Sulfate attack can cause both a physical deterioration and cracking...
