Environmental controls and reaction pathways of coupled de-dolomitization and thaumasite formation

Deteriorated concrete and interstitial solutions (IS) were collected from Austrian tunnels to elucidate potential connections between de-dolomitization caused by coupled alkali carbonate reactions (ACR) and thaumasite form of sulfate attack (TSA). A conceptual reaction model for the portlandite–CSH phases–dolomite–calcium sulfate–calcite–brucite–thaumasite system was developed based on experimental data, hydrochemical modelling, IS chemistry and apparent concrete compositions. During the initial stage of sulfate attack, ettringite and gypsum formation weakened the concrete's microstructure and initiated ACR. Leaching of hydrated cement phases resulted in IS with a pH ~ 12-13, which promoted incongruent dolomite dissolution. Infiltration of Ca–SO4–type ground water into the de-dolomitization zone facilitated calcite and brucite neo-formations at 13 > pH > 10.5 during advanced states of concrete deterioration and subsequently resulted in thaumasite precipitation at pH ~ 8.7. In this contribution, the reaction mechanisms and environmental controls of de-dolomitization are discussed in relation to the durability of concrete under sulfate attack.