Evaluation of chloride-ion diffusion characteristics of wave power marine concrete structures

Abstract

Wave power marine concrete structures generate electrical energy using waves. They are exposed to a multi-deterioration environment because of air and hydrostatic pressure and chloride attack. In this study, the effect of air pressure repeatedly generated by water level change of wave power marine concrete structures on the chloride-ion diffusion of marine concrete was analyzed. The chloride-ion diffusion of wave power marine concrete structures was evaluated. The results show that the air chamber and bypass room, which were subjected to repetitive air pressures caused by water level changes, showed a higher water-soluble chloride-ion content compared to the generator room and docking facility, which were subjected to atmospheric pressure. Field exposure tests and indoor chloride attack tests were performed using fabricated specimens to analyze the effect of pressure on chloride-ion penetration. It was confirmed that Portland blast furnace slag had a greater inhibitory effect on chloride-ion penetration than ordinary Portland cement. The concrete specimens subjected to pressure showed increased capillary pores and micro-cracks. We devised an equation for calculating the diffusion coefficient based on measured data and estimating the diffusion coefficient for the location receiving repeated air pressure by using the diffusion coefficient of the location receiving general atmospheric pressure.