Groundwater and soil contaminated with sulfate

Hello everyone,

a potential plot of land for a single-family house has the following challenges:

- Groundwater is located at a depth of 3.5 m. Theoretically, it could rise to a depth of 2.2 m. Part of a planned basement would therefore be below the groundwater level.
- In addition, the soil is contaminated with sulfate (260 mg/l).

A [Weiße Wanne] is planned.

- Does the sulfate content (260 mg/l) pose a problem?
- How much is the durability of the [Weiße Wanne] affected by the sulfate content? What is the "expected lifespan" of such a [Weiße Wanne] under the given conditions (groundwater, sulfate)?

I would greatly appreciate your opinions.

The composition of the concrete is determined according to the classification into a so-called "exposure class," which summarizes all external stresses. There are various DIN standards, guidelines, etc., for this. A sulfate content of 260 mg/l corresponds to the lowest exposure class "XA1," which is met with a specified water-cement ratio and the compressive strength class C25/30, a completely normal quality. Determining the concrete quality is the responsibility of the planner.

An excerpt from the cement data sheet Betontechnik B 9-9.2014

"If concretes are classified into exposure classes XA2 or XA3 due to increased sulfate concentrations, the measured sulfate concentration must always be specified, as depending on the sulfate concentration, SR cements or cement-fly ash mixtures may need to be used. Concrete manufacturers therefore require the measured sulfate concentration value to determine a suitable concrete composition.

Concrete for exposure class XA3 must also be protected from direct contact with the aggressive substances unless the suitability of another solution is demonstrated by a report. Protective measures include protective layers (coatings, paints) or permanent claddings (sealing membranes made of plastic films or impregnated or coated boards, panel claddings)."

Thank you very much for the information, wpic.

Is it possible to infer the durability based on the sulfate content and the groundwater? Should I expect to need measures after 10 or 20 years because the basement becomes damp?

I would be very happy to hear about any experiences.