ABSTRACT
Surface penetrants are highly effective for controlling ingress of degrading agents such as chloride ions and water, and being easy to apply, they are considered an effective material for extending the life of reinforced concrete structures exposed to salt water or harsh salt-damage environments such as in ports. Moreover, there are various surface penetrants available on the market today. However, many points are unclear regarding the degree of difference in efficacy between different surface penetrants for controlling the ingress of degrading agents in reinforced concrete structures in salt-water or port environments. That is to say, the life-extending effect of each type of surface penetrant on reinforced concrete structures is also unclear. This paper examines the lifecycle of such structures by investigating the effects of various surface penetrants on controlling the ingress of chloride ions, as well as estimating the penetration of chloride ions and confirming the resulting life-extending effect.
