Numerical modelling of degradation of cement-based materials under leaching and external sulfate attack

A finite element model is developed in this paper to simulate the degradation of cement-based materials when subjected to aggressive agents, including deionized water and sodium sulfate solutions. The proposed model includes three main modules, i.e. the ionic diffusion module, the chemical reaction module, and the damage quantification module. A modified Poisson–Nernst–Planck model is developed to model the diffusion of multiple ions in the...