Material-related mechanisms have significantly contributed to issues and failures in concrete structures. In new constructions, concrete quality problems, such as improper finishing or curing, high water-cement ratios, excessive air entrainment, and overdosing of chemical admixtures, can lead to early-age cracking, reduced compressive strength, and delayed setting. In existing reinforced concrete structures, durability-related mechanisms, such as alkali-silica reaction (ASR) and damage from de-icing salts, can cause concrete deterioration and reinforcement corrosion. Concrete petrography is a method that involves examining hardened concrete samples under a microscope to determine their composition and assess their condition. In complex cases, multiple characterization techniques may be used in combination to comprehensively evaluate the concrete's condition and the types of distress associated with various durability mechanisms. This presentation focuses on the application of concrete petrography to diagnose concrete cracking and deterioration caused by different material-related mechanisms, providing insights for structural engineers and other relevant stakeholders to inform next steps.

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