Deterioration of concrete in waterfront structures-experimental studies and remedies

Concrete subjected to sulphate attack viz.; MgSO4 and Na2SO4 gets deteriorated. These sulphates penetrate in the pores of concrete and remain undisturbed in the unsaturated part, which destroys the concrete due to internal stresses caused by expansion of crystals during the crystallisation process of Mg and Na and chemical action of sulphates with concrete ingredients. The experiments conducted in the laboratory established that the deterioration of concrete even upto 60% can occur due to sulphate action in particular, due to sodium sulphate (Na2SO4), which includes loss of compressive strength and weight of concrete elements in the structure. Some preventive measures have also been suggested to minimise the deterioration of concrete.