Acronym in materials science: TSA for thaumasite sulfate attack

Thaumasite (for chemical composition see a short-hand cement chemistry-notation) is a naturally occurring mineral. However, its formation and transformation is of interest in the construction and repair of concrete-based structures including buildings, roads, bridges and tunnels. In a sulfate- and carbonate-rich environment, thaumasite sulfate attack (TSA) causes phase changes in construction materials. Its function in the destruction of concrete bodies is a subject of ongoing research: Milan Drábik argues in a recent article of materials chemistry, that the TSA role should not be overestimated[1]: the quantification of the TSA portion of overall deterioration caused by thaumasite/sulfate interaction remains the subject of discussion and further investigations. 

Keywords: materials science, technology, engineering, safety of buildings, damage, corrosion, chemical decomposition

Reference
[1] Milan Drábik: Thaumasite: Its Relevance to Sulphate Corrosion in Concrete. Nachrichten aus der Chemie May 2011, 59, VIII-X.
DOI: 10.1002/nadc.201180415.