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Description: Efflorescence, a deposit of water-soluble compounds on the surface of masonry, is a fairly common phenomenon that has been the topic of a significant body of published research and technical literature. The present literature review is designed to address a number of questions relative to the occurrence, mechanism, avoidance, testing, and removal of efflorescence in unit masonry construction. The review encompassed over 40 papers, of which many concentrated on the mechanism of formation of efflorescence, many discussed the sources of the components responsible for the efflorescence, a number dealt with the removal of existing efflorescence from the surface of masonry, and some proposed methods of test to evaluate potential for efflorescence. While components and mechanisms are fairly well established, the varieties of compounds and conditions that contribute to efflorescence have to date thwarted efforts to develop effective predictive test procedures for evaluating the potential for efflorescence in masonry. However, the literature and methods reviewed provide some direction for future work in that area. This report is also found on DVD021.
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