Structural Deterioration Mechanisms

This chapter aims to provide a state-of-the-art summary of research topics related to the physical, chemical, and mechanical processes involved in the degradation mechanisms of concrete and steel structures located in severe environments. Corrosion can be initiated by several environmental factors and mechanical stressors if the structures have poor-quality materials and/or inadequate structural details. For example, corrosion initiation can lead to cracking from corrosion products and concrete cover spalling. Cracking and/or spalling accelerate the corrosion rate and lead to serviceability issues and a deterioration of the long-term structural performance. Fatigue damage can accumulate at regions of stress concentration, where cracks may propagate under the effect of stress fluctuations. These cracks represent a considerable threat to steel structures and may lead to catastrophic collapse, especially for structures characterized by low redundancy levels.