On-site demonstration project of reinforced concrete with seawater

Chloride-contamination of reinforced concrete (RC) structures, whether arising from the use of chloride-contaminated raw materials or from exposure to aggressive environments, results in corrosion of traditional steel reinforcement. For this reason, design standards worldwide limit the use of chloride-contaminated materials in cement and concrete production, without considering the related advantages in saving natural resources. The SEACON project aims at demonstrating the safe utilization of seawater and salt-contaminated aggregates for sustainable concrete production when combined with corrosion resistant reinforcement. For this purpose, a demonstration was built and exposed to an aggressive environment, with the aim of proving the feasibility of using such different technology to produce RC, and collecting data to evaluate durability aspects. This paper shows the results achieved through laboratory investigations and the preliminary results of the on-site monitoring, with particular reference to the materials characterization.