Acid Dissolution-Induced Damage Mechanisms in Concrete–Rock Composites: Experimental and Particle Flow Simulation
Year: 2025
Type: article
Abstract: High Resolution Image Download MS PowerPoint Slide Concrete–rock composites (CRC) in karst regions face severe durability challenges from acid dissolution. This study investigates the damage mechanisms of CRC under sulfuric acid solutions (pH 3, 5, and 7) through integrated laboratory experiments and interface-enhanced discrete element modeling. The results reveal that chemical degradation occurs via H + -mineral reactions (e.g., CaCO 3 + H 2 SO 4 → CaSO 4 + CO 2 ), increasing porosity by 14% at pH = 3 and reducing compressive strength by 28.5% compared to neutral conditions. Meanwhile, mechanical deterioration exhibits pH dependency: elastic modulus declines by 24.2% (pH 5) and 41.6% (pH 3), while failure transitions from concrete-dominated cracking (pH 7) to synergistic concrete-rock failure (pH ≤ 5). Moreover, PFC 2D simulations demonstrate that crack initiation consistently originates at the concrete-rock interface, with tensile cracks comprising >90% of total cracks. Stronger acidity increases total crack density by 10.7% (pH = 5) and 20.8% (pH = 3) and homogenizes crack angular distribution. These results establish a quantitative corrosion-degradation relationship, providing critical guidance for enhancing the durability of tunnels and bridges in acidic environments.
Source: ACS Omega
Authors: Haiyang Chen, Bin Du, Mingxuan Shen, Jie Wang, Yukun Li
Institution: Guizhou University
Language: English
Topic: Rock Mechanics and Modeling
Subfield: Mechanics of Materials
Field: Engineering
Domain: Physical Sciences
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $1,935
Awards: G3265031142, G3380192087, G3668885301
OpenAlex ID: W7117162159