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GYPSUM EFFLORESCENCE ON CLAY BRICK MASONRY: FIELD SURVEY AND LITERATURE STUDY



Author(s): Chwast, J., Todorovic, J., Janssen, H. and Elsen, J.
Paper category: Conference
Book title: XIII International Conference on Durability of Building Materials and Components - XIII DBMC
Editor(s): Marco Quattrone, Vanderley M. John
Print ISBN: none
e-ISBN: 978-2-35158-149-0
Publication year: 2015
Pages: 182-189
Total Pages: 8
Language: English


Abstract: Persistent efflorescence on masonry facades is a growing problem, and as an initial stage in a larger research project, this paper presents a field survey and literature review on the topic. In the field survey, 28 cases of persistent efflorescence in Belgium were investigated. In most cases, the deposit was identified as gypsum, explaining the persistence of the efflorescence. It appears that the gypsum originates from within the masonry, and is transported to the surface via moisture transfer. In the literature review, plausible formation and transport mechanisms for gypsum in masonry are identified: gypsum can be derived from the brick and the mortar, and can be transported via pore water advection and diffusion. On the other hand, the crystallisation of gypsum on the surface and the only recent occurrence of gypsum efflorescence can, for now, not be soundly explained. One hypothesis is the recent application of mortar additives, which may affect the formation, transport and crystallisation behaviour of gypsum. The final question marks ultimately make up the research questions for the larger research project.


Online publication: 2015
Publication Type: full_text
Public price (Euros): 0.00


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