Initiation of Chloride-Induced Reinforcement Corrosion in Concrete Structural Members—Prediction

This paper examines and analyzes test results produced from a comprehensive test program designed to determine initiation of chloride-induced reinforcement corrosion in structural concrete under natural salt spray and simultaneous service loads. The focus is on developing a format of stochastic models for the prediction of corrosion initiation in concrete structural members. The chloride ingress in concrete under different loading or cracking conditions, or both, is also examined and compared with Fick's second law. Frequency analysis of corrosion initiation observed from a sample of test specimens that were broken open is also included. A reliability-based method is proposed to determine the initiation time of reinforcement corrosion in concrete structural members. This method can equip practical engineers with confidence in deciding the maintenance and repairs needed for corroded reinforced concrete structures.