Concrete damage in underground structures

Author(s): F. Mittermayr, D. Klammer, D. Höllen & M. Dietzel, C. Kurta, A. Leis, M.E. Böttcher
Paper category: Conference
Book title: Concrete Repair, Rehabilitation and Retrofitting III (ICCRRR)
Editor(s): M.G. Alexander, H.-D. Beushausen, F. Dehn, P. Moyo
Print ISBN: 978-0-415-89952-9
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Group
Pages: 210 - 212
Total Pages: 3
Language: English

Abstract: 
In this paper we present an overview about our findings concerning the damage of underground concrete structures. Case studies were performed in Austrian highway and railroad tunnels and associated structures for drainage and ventilation. In several cases severe damage of the concrete was found owing to sulphate attack, alkali aggregate reactions, leaching and drainage clogging. The focus of this study is to demonstrate by some selected examples how to decipher the causes and reaction mechanisms of damaging reactions. Thus besides conventional mineralogical and hydro-geochemical methods we apply stable isotope and trace element signals within multi proxy approaches. For instance stable isotope results indicate that SO²¯₄ and CO²¯₃ from local ground water are mostly responsible for thaumasite formation. More detailed knowledge on individual reactions responsible for concrete damage in underground structures will help to find specific counter measures for already affected buildings and to develop proper concrete recipes, applications and constructive measures for future projects.

Online publication: 2014
Publication Type: abstract_only
Public price (Euros): 0.00