Damage of concrete due to salt crystallization has been described
as a physical salt attack [1,18]. This type of attack can manifest itself
in the form of surface deterioration of the above ground portion of
concrete that is partially immersed in sulfate rich soil [1]. Several
previous field investigations have reported concrete damage due
to physical sulfate attack. For instance, in southern California, Novak
and Colville [30] investigated the cause of damage in concrete floor
slabs of 20–30 year-old homes located on sulfate rich soil. They
insinuated that the cause of damage was mainly due to salt crystallization
since none of the chemical sulfate products such as ettringite
and gypsum were identified, yet salt minerals such as thenardite
(Na2SO4) and mirabilite (Na2SO410H2O) were found within cracks.