Prediction of reinforcement corrosion in concrete structures A.G. Razaqpur, Centre for Effective Design of Structures, McMaster University, Department of Civil Engineering, Hamilton, O.B. Isgor, Carleton University, Department of Civil and Environmental

ABSTRACT: This paper deals with the problem of predicting the short-and long-term corrosion rate in reinforced concrete structures. The paper briefly describes the fundamental concepts of electrochemistry as it pertains to corrosion of reinforcement in concrete and the effect of the various factors which contribute to the incidence and rate of corrosion. This is followed by a discussion of the available field measurement techniques for predicting corrosion incidence and rate, and the difficulties involved in interpreting the field data. Next some prominent empirical, theoretical and numerical models of corrosion prediction are reviewed and their advantages and disadvantages are briefly described. It is contented that a combination of field measurements and numerical models may be the best way to obtain a reasonable estimate of corrosion activity in a structure over the long-term. The latter is demonstrated through a case study involving a building with chloride contamination.