Damage of concrete sleepers by calcium chloride

Abstract High strength concrete sleepers damaged by calcium chloride have been studied here. Chloride content is estimated at different depths qualitatively by the classical wet method and quantitatively by ion selective electrodes. The samples were analyzed by x-ray diffraction spectroscopy and were studied under microscope. The damage of concrete is attributed to be a combined effect of chemical, mechanical and physical processes. Calcium chloride is found to be very detrimental to concrete. Special care should be taken for its use.