A Solution for Corrosion Effect of Durable Concrete Structures

Abstract

Corrosion of reinforcements has been one of the major challenges that the civil engineers have been facing. Corrosion leads to the formation of rust which results in the spalling of concrete which in turn leads to the exposure of rebars to the aggressive environment. This will accelerate the ill effects and ultimately leads to the breakdown of the structure. Corrosion mainly occurs in areas of aggressive environment such as coastal regions. It was discovered that structures such as highways, bridge decks, parking ramps and marine installations, designed to last from 50 to 100 years, required replacement or extensive repairs in just 10 years. The problem was found to be the absorption of airborne pollutants, acids and chloride salts through the surface which eventually found their way to the reinforcing steel, causing it to corrode. It is very important that corrosion of reinforcement must be prevented in order to have a durable structure. Even though there are many methods to prevent corrosion, most of them are uneconomical and requires great skill. Studies on corrosion of reinforcement in various parts of the world have revealed that High Volume Fly Ash (HVFA) concrete can protect the steel reinforcement effectively, so that it can resist corrosion, and thus the structure as a whole. Similarly coating of rebars is the best and cheapest solution for corrosion attack, because prevention is better than cure. Epoxy coated reinforcement rebar can be used in construction to protect steel more efficiently from corrosion. Epoxy coating works by preventing chlorides and moisture reaching the surface of the steel. So, it is the most practical and scientific way for protecting the steel reinforcement against corrosion effect. This paper reviews the HVFA concrete with fusion bonded epoxy coated rebars is the solution for corrosion effect.