Title:
The steel-concrete interface and its impact on corrosion – an updated review and research perspectives
Author(s):
Ueli M. Angst and Mette R. Geiker
Publication:
Symposium Paper
Volume:
366
Issue:
Appears on pages(s):
102-110
Keywords:
concrete, durability, reinforcement corrosion, steel-concrete interface, cracks
DOI:
Date:
10/1/2025
Abstract:
It is well known that the steel–concrete interface (SCI) influences corrosion of steel in concrete. Numerous factors related to the SCI have been hypothesized to affect the mechanism of corrosion initiation and
propagation, including steel surface characteristics, interfacial concrete properties (voids, cracks, etc.), and conditions related to the exposure (e.g., SCI moisture state). This contribution offers an overview of current knowledge on these aspects. Additionally, recent advances toward a fundamental understanding of corrosion-related processes occurring at the SCI are highlighted, including a novel experimental methodology for studying the steel surface behavior, imaging of the SCI moisture state, and the impact of macroscopic voids. Finally, perspectives for future research are given.