Combined Effects of Sulfate and Chloride Attack on Steel Reinforced Mortar under Drying–Immersion Cycles

In this study, X-ray microcomputed tomography (XCT) and nanoindentation techniques were used to evaluate the synergistic action between sulfate chloride ingress under cyclic drying–immersion conditions on steel-reinforced mortars. Three salt solutions, namely 3% NaCl (Sc), 5% Na2SO4 (Ss), + (Scs), 24 cycles applied. The results showed that caused more severe corrosion steel reinforcement than while influence of Scs, presence suppressed by chloride. terms damage mortar cover, after cycles, most (volume loss approximately 7.1%) resulted in least 2.6%). By comparing Ss it was also found attack reducing cover 6.3% for Scs). Moreover, degradation specimens be layer-dependent, as distribution micro-mechanics. Regarding micro-mechanics, three solutions performed differently aforementioned properties, depending which underlying mechanism analyzed. This research could allow a accurate assessment factors influencing building structures typical aggressive marine environment.