Are coarse aggregates cracked?
• If yes, proceed to question 2. • If no, skip to question 5. 2.) Do the cracks extend into the paste? • If yes, proceed to question 3. • If no and the cracks do not extend into the paste, then this could be evidence of a possible natural artifact or early stages of MRD. 3.) Do freeze-thaw climatic conditions exist? • If yes, then possible aggregate freeze-thaw distress could be the cause of the cracks. • If no, proceed to question 4. 4.) Are the cracks filled? • If yes, then identify the infilling materials and proceed to question 5. • If no, then the crack could be a sample preparation artifact. Proceed to question 5. 5.) Are the fine aggregates cracked? • If yes, proceed to question 6. • If no, proceed to question 8. 6.) Do the cracks extend into the paste? • If yes, proceed to question 7. • If no, then the crack could be a natural artifact or be a sign of the early stages of an MRD. Proceed to question 8. 7.) Are the cracks filled? • If yes, identify the infilling material and proc
