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Durability of Reinforced Concrete Structures, Theory Vs Practice
Durability of Reinforced Concrete Structures, Theory Vs Practice
Durability of Reinforced
Concrete Structures, Reinforced Concrete Deterioration:
Theory vs Practice 1. Concrete itself: AAR, chemical attack,
freezing and thawing, abrasion and fire.
Albert K.H. Kwan and Henry H.C. Wong 2. Corrosion of steel reinforcing bars, which
Department of Civil Engineering, is the major cause of RC durability
The University of Hong Kong
problem.
Introduction Introduction
Corrosion of steel: Electro-chemical reaction arises from difference in
electrical potential along the steel bar. Conditions for corrosion:
Anodic reactions: 1. Presence of oxygen and water: optimum relative
Fe → Fe++ + 2 e−
Fe++
+2 → Fe(OH)2 (ferrous hydroxide)
(OH)− humidity is 70-80%.
4 Fe(OH)2 + 2 H2O + O2 → 4 Fe(OH)3 (ferric hydroxide)
2. Differences in electro-chemical potential: e.g.
Cathodic reaction: part of concrete permanently submerged in
4 e− + O2 + 2 H2O → 4 (OH)−
water and a part is exposed to periodic wetting
Results of rusting: cracking, spalling or delamination of concretre and drying; difference in cover thickness.
cover, leading to easier ingress of aggressive agents and accelerate
corrosion rate. 3. De-passivation.
1
Permeability of Concrete Permeability of Concrete
Permeability depends on capillary porosity (Fig.1), which in turn depends
Permeation: Darcy’s Law on W/C ratio and degree of hydration. Decrease W/C reduces permeability.
(Fig.2)
dq 1 dh coefficient of
=K where K = permeability
dt A dL
2
Carbonation Carbonation
Depth of carbonation: Carbonation rate may be
simply taken as a function of
Carbonation concrete strength since both
dc = C t where C =
coefficient diffusivity and strength
depend on W/C ratio.
However, curing greatly
Carbonation coefficient mainly depends on affects carbonation rate.
diffusivity of concrete. (Fig.4)
Therefore, carbonation is
Example: 15mm carbonation depth is reached after 15
more serious in actual
years for W/C ratio of 0.6; but 100 years is required for construction than in
W/C ratio of 0.45. laboratory. Figure 4 Effect of curing on
carbonation depth (Bassat et al, 1990)
3
Improving Carbonation Resistance by
Improving Durability by Use of HPC Use of HPC
High performance concrete (HPC) Effect of W/C ratio: directly affects pore structure and
diffusivity. Lower W/C increases carbonation resistance.
emphasizes both strength and durability.
Carbonation resistance correlates with strength. (Table 2)
Making HPC by lowering W/C ratio and
incorporating mineral admixtures, e.g. PFA, 28-day strength
(MPa)
Depth of carbonation
after 30 years (mm)
CSF. 20 45
Improving durability by increasing 40
60
17
5
carbonation and chloride resistances. 80 2
Table 2 Correlation between depth of carbonation
and strength (Parrott, 1987)
Two opposing effects of mineral admixtures on Depends on pore structure and diffusivity.
carbonation:
1. Pozzolanic reaction: reduces alkalinity by reacting with
Can increase the resistance by lowering W/C
lime. Carbonation rate will be increased. ratio and adding mineral admixtures.
2. Densification of cement paste: reduces diffusivity. W/C ratio: directly reduces the diffusivity.
Carbonation rate will be decreased. Mineral admixtures:
PFA and GGBS have only marginal effects. 1. Improves packing of bulk cementitious powders.
CSF increases carbonation resistance significantly. 2. Reduce porosity in hardened cement paste by reacting
with soluble lime to form insoluble gel.
Adequate curing is required to maintain (or
increase) carbonation resistance if mineral CSF is particularly effective due to its high
admixtures are added. fineness.
4
Improving Durability by More Careful Improving Durability by More Careful
Crack Control Crack Control
5
Conclusion Conclusion
Durability of concrete: needs to be dealt with by Future works:
both theoretical studies and practical evaluations. 1. Focus on concrete itself, e.g. newly adopted specification
Deep collaboration between university and for marine concrete (Grade 50) is a good starting point.
industry is the key to the ultimate solution. 2. Develop reliable test methods for measuring carbonation
resistance and chloride diffusivity so as to pave way for
University: Theoretical studies and controlled experiments, gradual migration to performance specification.
more site visits to improve understanding on practical
3. Revised, or even redraft, the existing specifications
problems.
(curing, temperature control).
Industry: More field tests, field trials and monitoring, may
4. Long term research in collaboration with industry on
also provide sponsorship for research.
cracks control and corrosion protection
Q&A