Modelling acid attack on concrete: Part I. The essential mechanisms

At present, a computer model is being developed to predict the corrosion of concrete construction components subjected to acidic solutions with pH values ranging between 4.0 and 6.5, i.e. exposure classes XA3 down to XA1 according to DIN EN 206-1. The concrete may contain Portland cement based binders with dissolvable or acid resistant aggregate. Calcium aluminate cement is also considered. The concrete degradation is characterised by a corroded layer of high porosity whose thickness is determined by the combination of dissolution, precipitation and transport processes which depend on cement chemical composition, binder reactivity, aggregate reactivity, grading curve as well as concrete composition. It is also intended to include the effect of abrasion. The model components will be described in detail in forthcoming publications.