ABSTRACT
The deterioration of reinforced concrete structures caused by reinforcement corrosion is a worldwide concrete durability problem, particularly when the concrete structures are located in marine environments. The concrete embedded in concrete is highly resistant to corrosion under the protection of cover layer. Generally, chloride ion can be introduced into concrete in two ways: as an admixture and penetration from external environment mainly from seawater and de-icing salt. For concrete structures, chloride ions may derive from aggregates/mixing water or penetrate into steel surface during exposure to chloride-bearing environments. The research on chloride binding has been carried out for a long time and in different cementitious systems, including cement-based materials or alkali-activated materials. The interaction between chloride ions and cement hydrates can be chemical or physical, and are defined as chemical binding and physical adsorption respectively. The chapter also presents an overview of the key concepts discussed in this book.
