Research on quantitative design methods for the durability of reinforced concrete structures in a hot ocean environment

Abstract

This paper establishes a quantitative design method for the durability of concrete structures in cross-sea bridges through investigation, rapid chloride migration coefficient method (RCM) and theoretical calculation, considering the impact of temperature on chloride ion diffusion rates in a hot marine salt erosion environment. Combined with the RCM test and bridge service data, a quantitative design method for bridge concrete durability is proposed. Test results show that the growth rate of the chloride ion diffusion coefficient of concrete is approximately 1.028 for every 1 °C increase. For every 5 °C increase, the growth rate of the chloride diffusion coefficient of concrete is about 1.15, and the cover depth of the concrete structure should be multiplied by a coefficient of 1.07. Therefore, the concrete cover depth should be appropriately increased, considering the influence of ambient temperature. Furthermore, fly ash, slag, and stone powder can increase the concrete’s resistance to chloride corrosion. When the influence of temperature on the chloride ion diffusion coefficient is considered, the durability design of the concrete structure of the sea-crossing bridge is conducted, which is beneficial for ensuring their service life.