Aggressiveness of soils and water in contact with buried concrete structures

Abstract

Certain chemical compounds present in soils and groundwater when in contact with concrete structures can be aggressive and result in early deterioration of these structures, with loss of their useful life. The prevention of these pathological manifestations must proceed through actions already in the project phase. International standards, establish criteria for classifying the degree of aggressiveness to which buried structures are subject, as well as imposing minimum requirements for concrete to guarantee durability. The issue assumes increasing importance, in view of the increasing occurrence of groundwater and contaminated soils, mainly in urban environments that have experienced changes in occupancy.