Predicting Corrosion-Free Service Life of a Concrete Structure in a Chloride Environment

The durability of a prestressed concrete deck in a parking garage is largely dependent on corrosion of the prestressed strands. The time when chloride concentration level exceeds the threshsold limit to intiate corrosion on the strands was calculated using Fick's diffusion law. Migration of chlorides was studied within the context of previous research. To develop a prediction method for the movement of the chloride concentration profile with respect to time, a computerized finite difference method was employed. The method presented in this paper provides a scientific way for maintenance engineers to evaluate concrete structures exposed to salt environments.