Sulfates attacking Concrete Foundations

[Brian E. Kelly]

I became aware of Foundation problems in this area a while back.

This makes an interesting read. I had never heard of this before myself.

http://www.inmaricopa.com/NEWS/NewsA...8536&&mid1=390

Study shows sulfate issues restricted to Maricopa Meadows
By Michael K. Rich
June 24, 2010

The results are in, and Maricopa Meadows stands as the only subdivision in the community with sulfate levels high enough to cause moderate damage, according to the International Building Code.

http://www.inmaricopa.com/NEWS/NewsA...ArticleID=8798

[Brian E. Kelly]

Darren noted it last year here.

http://www.nachi.org/forum/f23/high-...oncrete-50223/

[Tim Spargo]

I see it in different areas... all the time. It's not just the foundations, it's the flat work and other hard surfaces. What's appears to be efflorescence at first, may ultimately be just that, or, will progress to a Spalding mess in years to come, as HI's, it's impossible for us to predict IMO.

In the tracts, if you were to look at the soils reports and the SE's rec's for the mix, you'd probably *not* find the correct types of mixes used. Would we know that...? I'm not sure how. *Ugly* issue, either way you slice it up.

[Brian E. Kelly]

Originally Posted by tspargo

I see it in different areas... all the time. It's not just the foundations, it's the flat work and other hard surfaces. What's appears to be efflorescence at first, may ultimately be just that, or, will progress to a Spalding mess in years to come, as HI's, it's impossible for us to predict IMO.

In the tracts, if you were to look at the soils reports and the SE's rec's for the mix, you'd probably *not* find the correct types of mixes used. Would we know that...? I'm not sure how. *Ugly* issue, either way you slice it up.

I did not have any idea about Sulfates before Tim. Very interesting and eye opening.