Effect of damage in reinforced concrete on carbonation or chloride penetration

Abstract The influence of mechanical loading effects on carbonation or chloride penetration is studied. Specimens are reinforced concrete beams of 3 m long which are stored in a mechanical loading state and in aggressive environments. Carbonated cover depths and chloride contents are measured. The results show that damage at grain/paste interfaces in tensile zones leads to an increase of penetration of aggressives ions.