Foundation of Service Life Prediction Model of Sulfate Attack in Concrete

Abstract

Sulfate attack of cementitious materials is closely related to the essential properties of cementitious materials and erosive environments. Therefore, the foundation of service life prediction model becomes very difficult and complicated. In this paper, the temperature and concentration of an erosive solution were taken into account in lab accelerating test, the service life prediction model of sulfate attack based on equivalent time and damage variable was founded by using Arrhenius equation, the concept of maturity, Fick’s law and the theory of damage mechanics. Dynamic elastic modulus value change, and/or mass change, and/or compressive or flexural strength change, et al. can be used as damage variable to show the evolving process of sulfate attack in concrete in this prediction model, and certain changed rate was considered as the damage critical value in concrete in terms of the standard or references or test results. To estimate the possible service life of concrete structures in sulfate attacking condition by lab accelerating test according to this prediction model, it will be benefit to guide the selection of raw materials and design of durability in concrete.