Influence of some parameters relevant to the Arabian Gulf environment on corrosion of reinforcing steel in concrete

Abstract EN

The reduction in the useful-service life of reinforced concrete structures in the Arabian Gulf is attributed to chloride-induced reinforcement corrosion.

However, elevated temperature exposure and the conjoint presence of sulfate ions with chloride salts may also significantly contribute to the enhanced corrosion of reinforcing steel.

Further, the environmental conditions are also conducive for accelerated carbonation which leads to steel depassivation and consequent corrosion initiation.

This paper reports results of investigations conducted to evaluate the effect of temperature, chloride and sulfate contamination and carbonation on reinforcement corrosion.

Results indicated that the conjoint presence of chloride and sulfate ions and elevated temperature accelerates reinforcement corrosion and carbonation leading to premature deterioration of concrete.