Salt weathering simulation using a single‐immersion technique

Samples of concrete were subjected in an environmental cabinet to six different diurnal cycles of temperature and humidity change representative of desert surface conditions in the presence of a range of saturated salt solutions. The samples were not subjected to repeated immersion or continuous partial immersion as has been the case in most previous experiments. Breakdown did occur nonetheless. The two most effective cycles were one from Egypt (with a very high daytime maximum) and one from the Negev (with high nocturnal humidity conditions). Cycles with relatively modest temperature and humidity cycles were ineffective in causing debris liberation.