Modelling crystal growth

The sustained heave of Pont de Candí Bridge is a consequence of the development of swelling strains in the sulphated claystone located below the tips of the foundation piles of the central pillan; of the bridge. The development of swelling phenomena in sulphated claystone is explained by the precipitation of gypsum crystals in fractures. A model has been formulated to describe the kinetics of precipitation and dissolution of sulphated minerals, the development of strains induced by crystallization and the solute transport. The heave of Pont de Candí Bridge has been modelled and calculations have been compared with the field measurements