Invading track of chloride ions in cemented-based materials

Invading track of chloride ions and chloride ion distribution rule in cement-based materials were investigated by partially soaking in 3.5% (mass fraction) NaCl solution and fully immerging in 3.5% and 5.0% (mass fraction) NaCl solution, respectively, and relevant invading mechanisms were discussed. Results indicate that under full immerging condition, the invading track of chloride ions in cement mortar is similar to beeline that is vertical to chloride ion invading direction, and chloride ion content decreases rapidly with the increase of chloride ion invading depth. Under partial soaking condition, the invading track of chloride ion in cement mortar is similar to the shape of concave parabola, and chloride ion content decreases slowly along the lengthway direction of cement mortar samples in the distance of 20-80 mm from the bottom. Lots of chloride ions accumulate in cement mortar surface layer under the effect of capillary rise and evaporation and then invade cement mortar by diffusion effect. Under partial soaking condition, cement mortar is distinguished by four areas, i.e., immerging area, wet area, crystallization area and dry area.