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Action of ‘common’ substances
Some common substances that may come into contact with concrete, particularly when the structure is used for processing or storage, and their effects on concrete are shown in the table.
In the cases shown the effects described are only indicative as they depend on the concentration of the substances listed.
| Material | Comments on products formed | Effect |
| Ashes/cinders | If wet sodium sulfate may leach out | Disintegrates concrete without adequate sulfate resistance |
| Beer | Fermentation products may contain acetic, carbonic or lactic acids* | Disintegrates concrete slowly |
| Cider | Contains acetic acid* | Disintegrates concrete slowly |
| Coal | Sulfides leaching from damp coal may form sulfurous or sulfuric acid* | Disintegrates concrete rapidly |
| Common salt | |
Not harmful to dry concrete |
| Creosote | Containd phenol | Disintegrates concrete slowly |
| Exhaust gases (diesel or petrol) | Form various acids in the presence of moisture | Disintegrates concrete slowly |
| Flue gases | Form various acids in the presence of moisture | Disintegrates concrete slowly: temperature differentials may cause significant stresses |
| Fruit juices (and fermenting fruit) | Contain sugar and various acids | Disintegrates concrete slowly |
| Manure | |
Disintegrates concrete slowly |
| Milk | |
Not harmful, but see ´Sour milk´ |
| Peaty water | Contains humic acid | Disintegrates concrete slowly |
| Petroleum oils | |
Disintegrates concrete slowly if fatty oils are present |
| Silage | |
Disintegrates concrete slowly |
| Sour milk | |
Disintegrates concrete slowly |
| Sugars | |
Disintegrates concrete slowly |
| Urine | |
Attacks metal in porous or cracked concrete |
| Wine | |
Not harmful |
* When concentrated, otherwise slow
The information is based on Table 3.5.2 in ACI 515.1R which shows a more exhaustive range of materials.
Acknowledgement:
The Concrete Society
Other references:Lea’s ‘Chemistry of cement and concrete’, published by Arnold
