Effects of interactions between leaching, frost action and abrasion on the surface deterioration of concrete

It was demonstrated that the amount of damage caused by interactions between the three degradation mechanisms exceeded the total amount of damage caused by the mechanisms separately. Moreover, leaching significantly amplified the effects of frost action and abrasion for both concrete mixes. Considering the exposure conditions at Swedish hydro power plants, it was concluded that leaching combined with frost action accounts for most of the superficial damage observed at the waterline of these structures.