Corrosion Performance of Various Reinforced Concretes Subjected to a Systematic Wetting-Drying Cycle Regime in Real Marine Environment

Abstract

This study contributes to the understanding of the chloride-induced corrosion of steel rebars embedded in various concretes. Concrete specimens were exposed to systematic wetting-drying cycles in real seawater via a platform installed on a pier. Various mixtures were designed using three different cement types and two binder dosages (therefore two water/cement ratios) with and without fly ash. The strength development and electrical conductivity of the mixtures were assessed prior to the cycles. The dimensional stability, flexural strength, compressive strength, and chloride penetration depth of plain concretes were scrutinized during the cycles. The corrosion processes of 360 RC specimens with three different cover thicknesses were monitored. The test results revealed that increasing the dosage of cement, and therefore decreasing the water/cement ratio, was a more effective corrosion-mitigation approach than was the utilization of fly ash or enhancing physical protection.