Evaluation of sulfate damages in a tunnel concrete segments

What is it about?

Sulfate attack affects the durability and integrity of concrete members greatly. Sulfate ions cause expansion, cracking, strength loss and adhesion reduction in concrete components, which threatens concrete structures health. This paper discusses the devastating effects of sulfate attack in a tunnel which is located in the Southwest of Iran. During tunnel excavation, a vast volume of groundwater and H2S gas enters into the tunnel that leads to the failures in the concrete segments. In order to investigate sulfate attack hypothesis, 69 core specimens were taken and tested. Compressive strength, water absorption, and electrical resistance tests were performed on 64 specimens and a total number of 85 sulfate ion tests were implemented. Experimental investigations show that sulfate attack has probably happened and necessary measures should be taken to prevent damage propagation and repair damaged segments.

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