Reinforcement corrosion and its remediation

The problem of reinforcement corrosion in concrete and prevention/control methodologies, are discussed. The reinforced and prestressed concrete structures are deteriorated by the corrosion of steel. Reinforcement which is protected by a protective oxide film formed by pH of concrete around the steel, are destroyed by carbonation and the contaminants such as chlorides. Chloride contamination cause local breakdown of the passive film, and initiate corrosion of reinforcement. The extent and cause of deterioration should be investigated using diagnostic testing for identification of corrosion initiation mechanism to select appropriate remedial action to control and inhibit corrosion. Anti-carbonation coatings that restrict the ingress of carbon dioxide to prevent carbonation can be used. Chloride resistant coatings such as acrylics and epoxies, silanes, and siloxanes can be applied to prevent ingress of chloride in the concrete