Title : CASE STUDIES IN THE USE OF OPTICAL MICROSCOPY FOR DIAGNOSIS OF CONCRETE DAMAGE AND DETERIORATION
Authors : Yunus Ballim
Publication : 13th – 16th February 2013
Volume :
Pages : 10-Jan
Price : 250
Abstract : A successful repair and rehabilitation strategy for deteriorated or damaged concrete requires a reliable assessment of the causes and extent of distress to the concrete. Given the rich variety of causes and mechanisms that lead to concrete damage, advice on a repair strategy must be based on information distilled from a range of diagnostic approaches and instruments. The optical microscope has, for many years, presented itself as a useful instrument for diagnosis of deterioration. This paper presents case studies that illustrate the use-value of opti cal microscopy in the diagnosis of deterioration and damage to concrete. The case studies include damage due to alkali silica reaction, exposure to high temperatures in a fire and soft water attack. The work reported was done using thin sections of the damaged concrete, viewed under a polarising microscope with magnifications up to 400x.