Revisión critica del ensayo de cristalización de sales

The salt crystallisation test is, for its simplicity and aggressivity, one of the most suitable ageing tests to evaluate the durability of rock materials. However the results of this test could be conditioned by differences in their experimental procedure. In this article the principal variables involved in the salt crystallisation test are reviewed: concentration of the solution, type of immersion, temperature and time of drying of the specimens, etc.; as well as the criteria used in the evaluation of induced damages. The knowledge and control of these factors facilitates the optimization of the test, and the correct interpretation of the obtained data.