The influence of hydrophobic surface coatings on carbonation induced corrosion in reinforced concrete structures|Effetto di un rivestimento idrorepellente sulla corrosione da carbonatazione in strutture in calcestruzzo armato

Rebar corrosion is the main cause of deterioration in reinforced concrete structures and leading not only to problems regarding the user’s safety but also to high costs for necessary repairs. Carbonation of concrete in contact with reinforcements leads to a uniform consumption of the rebars cross section, the formation of expansive corrosion products and thus cracking and spalling of the concrete cover. Hydrophobic pore lining treatments can be an interesting method to control the propagation of rebar corrosion in carbonated concrete and, thus, to prolongate the service life of the structures. In this paper, the effect of a hydrophobic coating on initiation and propagation of carbonation-induced corrosion was analysed.