Deterioration and protection of concrete elements embedded in contaminated soil: A review

Abstract

Coating materials are considered one of the most antique materials of human civilization; they have been used for decoration and the protection of surfaces for millennia. Concrete struc-tures—due to their permanent exposure to different types of environments and contaminants—re-quire the use of coatings that contribute to its preservation by reducing the corrosion of its components (steel and aggregates). This article intends to introduce the principal causes of concrete deterioration and the coating materials used to protect concrete structures, including a summary of the coating types, their advantages and disadvantages, and the latest developments and applications. Furthermore, this paper also assesses brief information about the potential challenges in the production of eco-friendly coating materials.