Concrete Deterioration : Causes & Prevention

Deterioration of concrete is mainly caused by erosion of embedded steel rebar.

Reinforcing bars in concrete area unit are protected from erosion with a thin chemical compound layer that is developed on their surface due to extreme alkalinity, i.e., the greater hydrogen ion concentration price of the surrounding concrete. Corrosion will occur as soon as this protecting layer is lost owing to chloride permeation or a reduction within the hydrogen ion concentration price of concrete to values under in respect of nine.

The rust occurs because of the following reasons :-

• Rust is caused by the cracking of the protecting layer (concrete cover) and presence of rust on the surface of the reinforcing steel.
• Rusting of the reinforcing steel starts with a small amount in the sikhs, and then it expands to turn to general rust.

The following factors can rupture this class:

1. Carbonization because of the atmosphere encircling the concrete.
2. Attack of chlorides on concrete (from the soil or caused by non-application of water right for mixing).
3. Penetration of salts to the concrete.

How to get rid of rust in iron - The following points should be taken into consideration to safeguard reinforcing steel from rust:

Also Read: Some useful tips to calculate total weight of steel for a beam

1. Cathodic protection is the most suitable process for coastal enterprises, but it is very costly to perform. It is desirable to carry out a study for the proper selection of the process that meets the purpose.

2. Inclusion of some materials to the cement to decrease its penetrability that is less extravagant method of cathodic protection, but the age of protection is lower.

3. Application of rust inhibitors: the first type is based on the work of protection around the reinforcing steel and the other type to resist the infiltration of oxygen inside the concrete.

Go through the following video tutorial, to get more clear idea.

Video Source: Cortec Middle East