Deterioration
The initiation and propagation of corrosion in concrete structures can be influenced by both internal and external factors. These sources of deterioration depend on concrete properties and exposure conditions and, to a large extent, govern structural performance and remediation practices.
Compilation of sources and causes of deterioration
| Source | Potential causes of deterioration |
|---|---|
| Constituent materials | Cement quality, water and aggregate, mechanical strength of aggregate, aggregate reactivity |
| Concrete properties | WC, strength, permeability, thermal properties |
| Construction defects | Inadequate curing, bleeding and segregation, honeycombing, poor construction joints, concrete cover to steel reinforcement |
| Natural & artificial agents | Environmental effects, weathering, bacterial growth, acid attack, freeze-thaw action, de-icing salts, underground water, acid attack, fire damage, etc. |
| Loading | Wind, seismic, fatigue, vibration, abrasion, erosion, poor design |
Refer to Chapter 2 of the Guide to Concrete Repair and Protection, whose content comprises:
- Internal factor
– Alkali-silica (alkali-aggregate) reaction
– Other reactions - External factors
- Steel reinforcement corrosion
- Summary
- Acknowledgements
- Further reading
– Standards
Setting the standards in the remedial industry since 1991.
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