Deterioration of concrete is an extremely complex subject. It would be simplistic to suggest that it will be possible to identify a specific, single cause of deterioration for every symptom detected during an evaluation of a structure. In most cases, the damage detected will be the result of more than one mechanism. This course provides an understanding of the basic underlying causes of damage/deterioration and explains the mechanisms, symptoms, and preventive measures to deal with these causes.
Topics: • Causes of Distress and Deterioration in Concrete: • Chemical Reactions, Acid attack, Aggressive-water attack • Alkali-carbonate rock reaction, Alkali-silica reaction • Sulfate attack • Construction Errors • Corrosion of Embedded Metals • Design Errors • Inadequate structural design • Erosion, Abrasion, Cavitation • Freezing and Thawing • Settlement and Movement • Shrinkage, Plastic, Drying • Thermal Expansion and Contraction • Internally and Externally generated • Fire, Weathering