Solid Information: Chemical composition can determine concrete’s durability

A new analysis reveals how damage progresses in concrete that’s exposed to sulfate, a nearly ubiquitous compound. The work could lead to the design of concrete structures with improved durability, the report’s author says.

Concrete is made with Portland cement, a powdery mixture of crushed limestone and clay or shale. When the cement is mixed with water and added to gravel and sand, the resulting slurry hardens into concrete.