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Microstructural investigation of natural deterioration of building materials in Gothenburg, Sweden

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Abstract

Site investigations of several concrete and masonry structures in Gothenburg, Sweden, revealed carbonation to have affected a number of concrete structures. At times, synergistic freeze-thaw action was found to have accelerated the deterioration process. Some of the masonry structures have developed internal and external efflorescence (the latter much more severe) in the form of alkali sulphate salts. The mechanisms involved in these processes and the influence of microclimatic conditions are discussed. The products formed that were mainly investigated by microstructural techniques (SEM with energy-dispersive X-ray analysis, X-ray diffraction analysis) are also described.

Resume

L’étude sur site de plusieurs bétons et structures de maçonnerie à Gothenburg en Suède, a révélé qu’un certain nombre de structures en béton ont été affectées par une carbonatation. Le processus de détérioration a été accéléré par le phénomène de gel-dégel. Certaines structures de maçonnerie ont développé une efflorescence interne et externe (cette dernière est plus accentuée) sous forme de sulfates alcalins.

Les mécanismes développés dans ce processus, l’influence des conditions microclimatiques et les produits formés ont été étudiés par des techniques microstructurales (MEB/EDAX, DRX). L’effet de cette détérioration sur la durabilité de ces structures a aussi été évalué.

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Sarkar, S.L., Chandra, S. & Rodhe, M. Microstructural investigation of natural deterioration of building materials in Gothenburg, Sweden. Materials and Structures 25, 429–436 (1992). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02472260

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