International Concrete Abstracts Portal

Title: Damage Assessment of Concrete Structures Exposed to Aggressive Marine Environment by NDT and Laboratory Techniques

Author(s): A. Moropoulou, G. Batis, A. Bakolas, M. Karoglou, and E. Aggelakopoulou

Publication: Special Publication

Volume: 212

Issue:

Appears on pages(s): 1035-1054

Keywords: damage assessment; marine environment; reinforced concrete

Date: 6/1/2003

Abstract:
The built environment of the early 20" century, constructed mainly with rein- forced concrete present serious damage problems. Thus, the establishment for an appropriate damage assessment methodology, that evaluates the concrete durability and service life, is a neccessity. In this study, two buildings of the early 20th century, exposed to an aggressive marine environment are examined: the first is the spa at Kallithea in Rhodes, constructed mainly with reinforced concrete, and the other is the Bell tower of the Church of Saint John Prodromos in Simi, where reinforced concrete was used for repairs. A series of non-destructive Techniques (Fiber Optics Microscopy, ultrasound technique, determination of corrosion potential at the reinforcement and determination of concrete carbonation depth) along with Laboratory Techniques (Grain size distribution, Mercury Intrusion Porosimetry, X-Ray Diffraction, Thermal Analyses) were used. The obtained results revealed that the concrete is carbonated up to the reinforcement bars. The reinforcement has lost the bearing capacity after its 7th lifetime decade. In addition, the nondestructive techniques methodology gave satisfactory results and could be undertaken, for the damage assessment of the modern built environment exposed to aggressive environments (marine or urban).