Prediction of Corrosion Levels in Reinforced TMT Bars in SCC Exposed to Marine Environment

Abstract

Reinforced concrete structures have good potential to be durable and capable of withstanding adverse environmental conditions. Failures in RCC structures still occur as a result of premature reinforcement corrosion. Corrosion of steel has been recognised as one of the major durability problems in RCC structures. Damage due to corrosion of steel bars considerably reduces the strength, serviceability and life of structural components. Inspection and continuous monitoring techniques are necessary to be carried out to assess the steel corrosion in buildings and bridge components in order to ensure their safety and durability for longer time. These techniques are essentially required for easy maintenance and repairs of the structural components also. Few investigations were carried out to study the corrosion levels in reinforced steel bars exposed to marine environment. Very few investigations were carried out so far to predict the corrosion levels in self-compacting concrete (SCC) exposed to salts and chemical environments. The present paper outlines the investigations carried out to predict the corrosion levels in TMT bars in normal vibrated concrete (NVC) and SCC exposed to marine environment. It also shows the severity of concrete exposure condition on the progressive corrosion in TMT bars when immersed in salt solution.