Rising Dampness and Salt Contamination Problems in Building

Abstract

Rising dampness and salt contamination can affect the service life of numerous building structures, both historical and contemporary, in a substantial way. Salt crystallization and rising dampness are two separate but interconnected processes. Both damages must be understood if the damage is to be minimized and if corrective measures are to be successful. However, the term rising damp has been usually used to cover both aspects, it tends to overlook the role of salt, and issues that will increasingly significant due to the buildings are getting older and the soils are becoming more saline. Hence this paper will focus on the background and an understanding of salt crystallization and rising damp problems. Furthermore, the discussion also will include the indications, causes, and effects of both damages.