Another field study by Stark [37] showed extensive damage that
was limited to the upper portions of concrete beam specimens half
embedded in sulfate rich soil, whereas the embedded portion was
found in intact condition. In addition, damage escalated in the
beam specimens made with higher w/c and when pozzolanic additives
were included in the concrete mixtures. It was concluded that
salt crystallization was responsible for the observed damage. Similar
cases of deterioration were reported elsewhere including in the
Arabian Gulf region, Japan, and Australia