Probabilistic evaluation of concrete durability subject to accelerated decay by salt crystallization

Abstract. Physical and chemical attack, caused by external environment factors, such as humidity, temperature and the presence of salts, and also by the concrete characteristics, such as porosity and the mix design, may develop alterations in the components of the concrete (cement and aggregates). These changes are manifested by the erosion or the expansion of the surface,causing a progressive decrease of the mechanical strength of the structure which adversely affects its stability.. To investigate the decay caused by the presence of sulphates in concrete structures, durability tests were carried out on concrete specimens in accordance to RILEM Recommendation MS-A1.The decay caused by salt crystallization was quantified through a laser-triangulation CMOS-CCD profilometer and its development over time was modelled through an appropriate probabilistic model.