Sulfate attack in concrete and mortar

Okay kiddo, you know how we make buildings and structures with concrete and mortar? They are very strong and can last for a very long time. But sometimes, something called "sulfate attack" can happen and can start to weaken the concrete and mortar.

Sulfate attack happens when tiny particles called "sulfates" get into the concrete or mortar. These sulfates can come from things like soil, groundwater, or even some types of cement.

When the sulfates get into the concrete or mortar, they can react with some of the chemicals that make the concrete or mortar strong. This reaction can cause the concrete or mortar to get weaker and start to crack.

So basically, sulfate attack is when some bad particles get into the strong material we use to build things, and then they start to make it break down and not work as well.