International Concrete Abstracts Portal

Title: Mechanisms of Corrosion of Steel in Concrete in Relation to Design, Inspection, and Repair of Offshore and Coastal Structures

Author(s): Roger D. Browne

Publication: Special Publication

Volume: 65

Issue:

Appears on pages(s): 169-204

Keywords: chlorides; corrosion; corrosion resistance; cover; cracking (fracturing); diffusion; harbor structures; inspection; marine atmospheres; offshore structures; reinforced concrete; reinforcing steels; repairs; spalling; structural design.

Date: 8/1/1980

Abstract:
The corrosion of steel in concrete exposed to maritime conditions is dependent on the rate of chloride penetration to activate the steel, the resistivity of the concrete and the oxygen diffusion through the cover regions. Reinforcement corrosion may result in spalling of the concrete depending on the depth of cover, the physical shape of the member and the strength of the concrete. The paper considers the mechanisms involved and relevant measurements made by the author's laboratory and others particularly in relation to offshore, coastal and land based concrete structures in the North Sea, UK and overseas. This work has implications both to the specification of concrete design details, inspection techniques and remedial measures where corrosion or damage has, or might occur.