Systemic view of publications related to prediction models of sulfate attack in cementitious matrices

Abstract

This paper presents a survey of the sulfate attack prediction models available in the literature, with a temporal and spatial mapping of these publications and an analysis of the main characteristics of each model. It was found that research on this subject is growing, with a greater focus on numerical modeling of external sulfate attack applied to the concrete. A smaller number of studies analyze other types of cementitious matrices, internal attack, or empirical modeling. It was found that it is still necessary to analyze the application of the available models and the development of new models, which should consider different types of sulfates, contaminated aggregates, and mineral additions in the cementitious matrix. As most of the researches deal with numerical models of external attack, a discussion is presented on the main points addressed in these models. Furthermore, a suggestion for future modeling work is made based on the parameters that are already or not a consensus in the literature.