The corrosion of reinforcing steel has received considerable attention over the last few years. The high cost of repairing rapidly deteriorating concrete structures and the worldwide impact of corrosion on concrete infrastructure are some of the main reasons why corrosion of metals is gaining increasing attention. The corrosion of steel reinforcement was first observed in chemical manufacturing plants and marine structures. Waterside structures are subject to harsh environments where it becomes difficult to slow down the corrosion process.
Most structurally deficient parking structures and bridge decks are common examples of how chloride-induced corrosion can seriously damage the integrity of a structure and shorten the lifespan. Researchers have put extensive efforts into understanding the mechanics of steel corrosion. While many techniques have been introduced to control steel corrosion, there is a dire need for sustainable structures that can achieve a lifespan of more than 100 years without requiring expensive maintenance and rehabilitation.
What is chloride-induced reinforcement corrosion?
Chloride ions can be originated from the surrounding environment or from the use of contaminated mix constituents. Chlorides enter the pore system through the concrete surface. Chloride ions are common in nature; concrete materials normally contain a very small amount of chloride ions.
Dissolved chloride ions can penetrate concrete in structures exposed to deicing salts or waterside environments. How fast the corrosion of steel reinforcement embedded in concrete damages a structure depends on various environmental factors.
Economic impact of corrosion
A large number of reinforced concrete (RC) structures have been built with concrete and steel over the last several decades. The deterioration of RC structures directly impacts everyday life in terms of sustainability, safety, and economy. Heavy resources are allocated every year in Canada and across North America just to repair or rehabilitate the existing structures rather than constructing new ones. This is leading to an increasing burden on taxpayers.
Chloride-induced reinforcement corrosion is a major durability problem in North America as a large number of RC structures have been affected by reinforcement corrosion, especially marine structures such as sea walls, water treatment facilities, and bridges. Chloride-induced corrosion is one of the prominent features of waterside environments. Construction materials with strong corrosion-resistance properties are needed to encounter the initiation and propagation of reinforcement corrosion that results in spalling, cracking, and loss of load-bearing capacity.
How to deal with the corrosion of concrete reinforcement
It’s critical for us to implement long-lasting and cost-effective construction solutions to effectively address corrosion and other structural challenges. Glass fiber-reinforced polymer (GFRP) construction materials are inherently corrosion-free, lightweight, and superior in strength. Composite materials like GFRP fiberglass rebar adequately address corrosion-related problems in concrete infrastructure.
If you want your next project to be completely corrosion-free and durable, use GFRP reinforcement. TUF-BAR manufactures world-class GFRP construction products such as fiberglass rebar, fencing panels, dowels, rock bolts, form ties, and more. Visit our website or contact us for more information!
