Effects of a hydrophobic treatment on corrosion propagation in carbonated reinforced concrete structures

On reinforcement in carbonated concrete, corrosion can propagate and lead, even after few years, to cracking and spalling of the concrete cover. Thus, costly repairs both economically and considering the impact on the environment are needed. The use of a hydrophobic treatment allows to control the propagation of corrosion in carbonated concrete, delaying concrete cracking and spalling and removing only cracked concrete. This paper reports the results of experimental tests carried out to study a new type of hydrophobic treatment. The capability of this coating to penetrate through the concrete, not to cause corrosion problems to the reinforcements still in a passive condition (in alkaline concrete) and to control the propagation of reinforcements corrosion in carbonated concrete was analysed. The effectiveness of this coating under different exposure conditions was assessed.