Sulfate Attack on Concrete - Concluding remarks pot

Concluding remarks

The topic of sulfate attack on concrete is a most fascinating one. Because of

the chemical and physico-chemical complexities of the mechanisms involved,

and the subsequent influence of these processes on the mechanical properties

of concrete products and structures, the preparation of this comprehensive

review was both exciting and challenging. It was exciting because the intricacies

and complexities of the underlying chemistry and physics are intellectually

stimulating, requiring complex interpretations, and clear thinking. At the same

time, the complexities may lead to honest controversies and stimulating dis￾cussions between professional colleagues. While the authors have their own

preferences of interpretations, as obvious from the text, they tried to present

a multitude of views represented in the literature.

It is our opinion, that neither external nor internal forms of sulfate attack

are major causes of degradation of concrete structures. Compared to damage

caused by corrosion of steel reinforcement and freezing and thawing, sulfate￾related deterioration is globally minute, though serious for the owners of the

particular structures. The types of sulfate-related deteriorations that were

observed in North America, in the Middle East, and elsewhere are easily

preventable by intelligent use of the available knowledge, adherence to the

standards and codes, proper materials design, and processing, taking into

consideration the expected environment of use.

We hope our readers will find the book interesting and usefull in their

professional lives.

© 2002 Jan Skalny, Jacques Marchand and Ivan Odler