Research progresses on salt scaling and protective methods for concrete pavements

Salt scaling usually occurs on concrete pavement in cold weather regions when deicing salts were applied and that reduces the service life and driving condition of the pavements. This paper aims at better understanding the phenomenon of salt scaling and selecting of the appropriate protective methods for concrete pavements. Firstly, the mechanisms of salt scaling are illustrated in terms of physical action and chemical reactions. Secondly, both external factors and internal factors affect the salt scaling resistance of concrete are discussed and analyzed. Therefore, the salt scaling protective methods for concrete pavements are proposed based on discussion of various aspects of salt scaling. Overall, this paper provides a comprehensive review on the research progresses of salt scaling damage on concrete pavement and the corresponding protective methods. In the end, the remaining problems and future researches regarding to salt scaling damage on concrete pavements are proposed as well.