Volumetric analysis

Dimensional changes of thin cement paste specimens were monitored during exposure to distilled water, hydrochloric acid, alkaline and FeCl$\sb2$ solutions; and comparison was made with the experimental results obtained by other authors. Post experimental examination of reaction products formed on the specimen surface exposed to FeCl$\sb2$ was conducted using X-Ray diffraction. The data resulting from the measured dimensional changes were input to a finite element model to project the stresses that should occur in association with localized corrosion of embedded steel and wetting of adjacent cement by aqueous FeCl$\sb2$. Implications of the findings with regard to cement and concrete cracking in association with embedded metal corrosion are discussed.