Which outcome related to material failure arises in ancient Mesopotamian ziggurats when alkaline soil moisture permeates the brickwork?

💡 Explanation

When alkaline soil moisture permeates brickwork, sulfate attack occurs, because sulfates react with hydrated calcium aluminate in the brick’s cement matrix, converting it to expansive ettringite which disrupts the cementation. Therefore, sulfate attack disrupts cementation bonds, the predominant failure mode, rather than thermal fracturing, seismic shear or wind erosion which rely on distinct environmental factors and mechanisms.

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