A Proposal for Determining the Remaining Time to Chloride Induced Corrosion Initiation of Existing Reinforced Concrete Structures

Rob Polder, M.M.R. Boutz, Marc Ottele

Research output: Chapter in Book/Conference proceedings/Edited volumeConference contributionScientificpeer-review

Abstract

Asset managers would benefit from knowing when to expect corrosion initiation in a particular reinforced concrete structure. However, accepted approaches to test existing structures for the remaining time to corrosion initiation are lacking. This paper proposes such an approach, based on experience in the field and additional considerations. From say 20 years age, existing structures embody the concrete’s response to actual environmental loads, e.g. in chloride profiles. Based on measuring the actual cover depth, taking (at least six) chloride profiles, some assumed parameters and a simple model, the expected time to corrosion initiation for a particular test area can be predicted. Sampling frequencies are given. Uncertainties can be taken into account by applying a safety margin to the cover depth. Results of at least six tests are classified and suggestions for interpretation are given. Because the accuracy is limited, the results are classified in three broad ranges: 5 years or less, 5 to 15 years, or more than 15 years. The procedure is applied to a field case and results are discussed.
Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationHigh Tech Concrete: Where Technology and Engineering Meet
Subtitle of host publicationProceedings of the 2017 fib Symposium, held in Maastricht, The Netherlands, June 12–14, 2017
EditorsD. Hordijk, M. Lukovic
Pages2074-2082
ISBN (Electronic)978-3-319-59471-2
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2018

Keywords

  • Service life
  • Reinforcement corrosion
  • Existing structures
  • Reliability

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