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Abstract
Some reinforced concrete structures must be repaired at an early stage in their life due to the oxidation processes suffered by their reinforcements; such processes involve serious pathologies that affect the stability and safety of buildings. Spanish legislation distinguishes several classes of environments, with non-aggressive and normal exposure providing a longer useful life of the structure. The present study shows that some structural elements in reinforced concrete, mainly the pillars in the area of contact with the ground, are exposed to significant corrosion by carbonation. This position of the structural elements dramatically and abruptly shortens the useful life of the models provided for the current regulations. A total of 17 pillars in 10 buildings of different ages and locations in the Spanish Mediterranean area, not subject to the presence of chlorides, have been analyzed. These buildings are situated in environments considered by the standard as normal and non-aggressive. The actual carbonation that these elements present have been compared with that which can be derived from the model established by Spanish regulations. Of these pillars, 14 present a carbonation higher than that derived from the model, and the last three pillars largely conform to the figures of the model. This significant deviation shows the need for a revision of the Spanish EHE 08 regulation, which should include aspects such as the action of dampness by capillarity and the differences in electrochemical potential between the different materials.
Highlights
This study processes each of the elements, for the initiation states and the total time for the attack by carbonation for corrosion, and offers us the results of the period necessary to reach the carbonation of the entire coating (x in blue on the reinforcement) or the expected useful life of each analyzed element (x in red on the reinforcement) according to the theoretical models for the stirrups (Figures 6–10; stapes in a, c, e, g) and transversal reinforcements (Figures 6–10); longitudinal reinforcement in b, d, f, h)
They have been studied in 10 residential buildings in nonaggressive and normal environments, and in the verified absence of chlorides, with the structural elements only being exposed to corrosion by carbonation
All the cases studied are centered on reinforced concrete pillars on the lower floors of the building and in which corrosion of the reinforcements had occurred with evident pathology
Summary
One of the most frequent pathologies in reinforced concrete is the corrosion of the reinforcements. The extensive use of concrete throughout the 20th century has increased the levels of definition (strength, consistency, maximum aggregate size and exposure environment) and quality control in its manufacturing and implementation. The concrete prepared by the Romans using lime, pozzolana and aggregates has survived the natural elements and external actions, proving its durability. With the use of concrete, one has the idea of a very durable material, given its stone-like characteristics and mechanical qualities. Concrete guarantees a very suitable medium for the protection of reinforcements thanks to its high alkalinity (pH = 12–13), acting as a chemical barrier, and the physical barrier that it provides
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