ABSTRACT
A potentially significant degradation process for underground concrete vaults made for the disposal of low-level radioactive waste is sulfate attack [ 1]. In a previous paper [2], a model of the kinetics of sulfate attack of cement-based materials was described. Further studies have been carried out for the purpose of developing relationships among the formation of reaction products, the depth of sulfate penetration, and the amount of expansion. Simulation modeling, based on a finite element approach, is also being performed to elucidate the mechanics of expansion and cracking. In the present paper, results of experimental studies and simulation modeling ofthe mechanics of expansion and cracking during sulfate attack are given.
