Is this efflorescence?
Is this efflorescence?
(OP)
Investigating some hollow core planks over a retention pond. There is lots of typical white efflorescence and some large stalagtites in areas. Then there are spots that look like the attached photo. When I broke chunks off it seemed more like spray-on insulation in consistency, but no-one would have ever spray-fireproofed the inside of a stormwater retention pond. I hope.






RE: Is this efflorescence?
The stalactites are formed due to the presence of chemicals within the concrete like chlorides.
Primary efflorescence isn't normally a structural concern, but the secondary efflorescence can have a bigger impact on the system depending on the severity.
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Regards,
Lutfi
RE: Is this efflorescence?
Others are probably right about it not being efflorescence. After looking at it again it's not transparent enough, efflorescence is friable as Ron said, and because of this it doesn't appear very dense.
RE: Is this efflorescence?
RE: Is this efflorescence?
Mike McCann
MMC Engineering
http://mmcengineering.tripod.com
RE: Is this efflorescence?
But I think it is probably foam/paper/debris that was floating on the water and just adhered to the low spot on the slab as the water level receded.
RE: Is this efflorescence?
RE: Is this efflorescence?
Not sure what the source of organics would be for growth, but the geometry of the pond is such that this would never have been directly wetted by the pond filling up (it would overflow before reaching underside of deck.) I'm going to theorize that someone spilled a slurpee on top and this is what happened after the sugars leached through to the underside, until someone can prove otherwise.
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Appreciate the many responses!