Application of Fuzzy Logic to Visual Examination in the Assessment of Sulphate Attack on Cement Based Materials

Sulphate attack on cement based materials has been widely taken up in research studies focusing on aggressive environmental conditions. Visual observations are considered as an important first step to assess the performance of the materials under the severity of the involved conditions. Correlations of visual observations (supported by other tests, during controlled laboratory experiments) and conditions in the field are essential to assess the performance of materials in the field. Due to uncertainties in the determination of various performance related parameters in the field, a rigid reliance on the results of visual examination conducted in the laboratory is not possible. This paper considers some aspects related to visual observations concerning the performance assessment of cement based materials under sulphate attack conditions in the field. Through a theoretical study it explores the use of fuzzy logic in analysing how much reasonable confidence should be placed on visual observations as well as in determining relative importance of various parameters.