Changes of Clinker Microstructure after Long-term Influence of External Environment

Contemporary clinker elements because of numerous colours and shapes give uncountable opportunities for architectural compositions. Apart from undeniable aesthetic values they are characterized with high resistance to environment influence. It is associated both with clinker microstructure as with adopted mortar types. By definition a facial wall has an attractive look which should be maintained during the whole period of the construction usage. However, it often occurs that the intended effect has not been reached. On majority of buildings during the first years of using there are efflorescence's appearing, covering mainly clinker surface. They are primary efflorescence's which should disappear during the first year of exploitation. The multi-year work led by the authors on real objects indicate that this period is definitely longer and efflorescence change according to seasons. The cyclic influence of salts changes the clinker microstructure. This work concerns the clinker microstructure and its changes resulting from ten years of exposition on external climate conditions. The researches were led on field station localized on area of the University of Science and Technology Bydgoszcz (Poland).