Effects of carbonation and chloride ingress on the durability of concrete structures

Abstract

The durability of concrete structures, which are designed for long-term use is predominantly determined by resistance to chemical influences, i.e., the concrete’s ability to protect the reinforcement steel. Carbonation and chloride ingress into concrete are the most significant causes of steel corrosion and the potential failure of the structure. The primary goal is to ensure that significant damage does not occur during the structure's service life, primarily achieved by selecting an adequate thickness of the concrete cover. The issue is approached through calculations based on performance analyses, and the use of appropriate models for these chemical phenomena. The paper provides a brief overview and the methodology for analysing impact on the durability of concrete structures in accordance with the leading international normative documents. The emphasis is on the recent changes introduced in second generation of European Eurocode standards. The consequences of the analysed phenomena are presented through the results of field tests conducted at salt factories, coke industries, and thermal power plants, and through laboratory tests. The tests were conducted to develop a rapid prediction method for the measure of chloride ingress into concrete without stimulating chloride ion migration by electricity, as an alternative to standardized tests.