Sulfate Attack - Remedial Measures

Once the concrete has experienced sulfate attack, there is not much that we can do about it other than to replace the structure. Therefore, it is very important to perform a survey of the environmental conditions before building a structure so that the proper preventive measures can be employed.

Unfortunately, some structures are completed without the knowledge of the environmental conditions. If after the completion of a structure, it is found that sulfates do exist, a "jacket" of sulfate resistant concrete (see Preventive Measures section) can be installed around the existing concrete.

If sulfate attack is evident in an existing structure, exploratory tests can be performed to determine the depth of sulfate penetration. This can be done by examining a core sample from the structure. If the sulfates have not infiltrated to critical depths, the exposed concrete can be replaced with sulfate resistant concrete.

Rule of Thumb:

If you are dealing with evidence of sulfate attack in larger or thicker structures, these exploratory tests may be useful. However, if sulfate attack is evident in smaller or thinner structures, these remedial measures do not apply as the sulfate has probably already reached critical depth.