Chlorides In Concrete

Abstract

AbstractChlorides are currently the main culprit in the deterioration of concrete structures in most parts of North America and Europe. During the last few years the authors have investigated the following properties: (i) the steady state diffusion of chlorides through cement pastes; (ii) penetration of chlorides into mortar and concrete; (iii) the binding of chlorides in the paste phase; (iv) the threshold value of chlorides below which corrosion of reinforcement is unlikely to occur; and (v)the relationship between the electrical resistivity and diffusivity of paste, mortar, and concrete. The variables investigated include water/cement ratio, cement type, curing conditions, effects of admixtures, and pozzolanic additions and the cover depth.