Predicting service life of reinforced structures under marine environment : combined effects of diffusion coefficient and chloride binding

Abstract EN

The aim of this work is to study the effect of diffusion coefficient and adsorption isotherm of chloride on the service life of concrete structures.

First, a methodology for the calculation of chloride flux and diffusion coefficient within cementitious materials was suggested.

This methodology is based on the electrical current monitored during the electrodiffusion test.

Secondly, a linear adsorption isotherm of chloride is established by considering a multi-species approach.

By using the diffusion coefficient and the binding isotherm, the evolution in time of the chloride concentration in the vicinity of the reinforcing steel is given in order to monitor the corrosion initiation.

Simulations carried out show that the evolution of this concentration is very sensitive to the diffusion coefficient value and the binding capacity of the material.

Results highlight that these parameters have a strong influence on the service life of structures in marine environment.