On the competitive antagonism effect in combined chloride-sulfate attack: A numerical exploration

It is of tremendous difficulty to draw a conclusive verdict on the complex process of mutual interference regarding the combined chloride-sulfate attack on concrete, where many have explored the topic, but contradicting results have been reported. In this paper, by taking advantages of the chemo-physical-mechanical method, based on the robust technique of thermodynamic modelling, the competitive antagonism effect in combined chloride-sulfate attack is investigated. Firstly, a range of reported tests are numerically modelled to demonstrate the effectiveness of the employed method in interpreting those opposing and diverse experimental outcomes. More importantly, a fresh conjecture incorporating a novel assessment criterion for the competitive antagonism effect is proposed and supported through a carefully designed illustrative example. Based on the numerical exploration, unique findings and implications for future engineering practices are revealed.

Automated summary

This paper explores the competitive antagonism effect of the combined chloride-sulfate attack on concrete using a chemo-physical-mechanical method and thermodynamic modeling. Numerical modeling of reported tests demonstrates the effectiveness of the method in interpreting opposing experimental outcomes, while a novel assessment criterion is proposed and supported through a carefully designed illustrative example. Unique findings and implications for future engineering practices are revealed through numerical exploration.