Study of the damage characteristics and corrosion mechanism of tunnel lining in a sulfate environment

Abstract

Sulfate corrosion is one of the main causes of tunnel lining deterioration. An accurate understanding of the damage characteristics and corrosion mechanism of sulfate-corroded tunnels is the basis for the anti-corrosion design and damage control of the tunnel lining. Based on a project concerning a sulfate-corroded tunnel in the mountainous area of Southwest China, this study conducted a field investigation and laboratory tests and, combined with existing research data, summarized the damage characteristics and corrosion mechanism of this type of tunnel and proposed the characteristic corrosion state of tunnel lining in a sulfate environment. The results show that 1) sulfate corrosion led to leakage, surface spalling crystallization, and strength loss, and the corrosion typically occurred at the arch waist and arch foot. 2) Physical and chemical corrosion occurred in the tunnel lining, and the corrosion products included sodium sulfate, calcium carbonate, gypsum, ettringite, and thaumasite. 3) In China, this type of tunnel is mainly located in the Southwest and Northwest, and its lining is in a special state of “one-sided accelerated corrosion.”