Reinforced concrete structures affected by chloride induced corrosion: effect of preventative methods on service life

Prevention of rebar corrosion is achieved in the design and construction phases, by means of suitable mix design, casting and curing, and adequate cover depth. Preventative methods, such as cathodic protection, corrosion resistant rebars, corrosion inhibitors, concrete coatings, can be used in very aggressive environment, especially in presence of chlorides. The service life of reinforced concrete structures exposed to chloride environments has been evaluated by means of a simplified probabilistic approach, based on Monte Carlo simulation. The effectiveness of the different preventative methods and concrete type (different w/c ratio and cement type) to increase service life is compared.