Deterioration of concrete structures due to alkali-dolomite reaction in China

A condition survey was carried out on four affected concrete structures where dolomitic rocks had been used as coarse aggregates. Compositions, textures and alkali reactivities of partial coarse aggregates were determined and the deteriorated concrete cores were subjected to petrographic examination. The results revealed that the dolomitic aggregates were potentially alkali reactive and were responsible for the deterioration of the concrete structures. It was the frist time that damage to concrete by alkali-dolomite reaction was recognized in China.