An Investigation of corrosion of steel reinforcement in concrete in the Eastern Province of Saudi Arabia

Abstract

Field and laboratory investigations have been carried out to study the corrosion of steel reinforcement in concrete in the Easern Province of Saudi Arabia. Mechanisms of steel corrosion and concrete spalling have been discussed in the light of recent research. More than sixty cores obtained from ten field structures have been analyzed using various chemical, destructive and non-destructive techniques to study the effect of chlorides, concrete quality, cover to reinforcement and the local concrete making materials on the corrosion of reinforcement and the associated spalling of concrete. Supportive controlled laboratory investigations on concrete slab samples have also been carried out to develop data on the effect of the aforesaid parameters on the corrosion of rebars. Data from condition surveys of structures and inspection surveys of construction sites and quarries have been used to evaluate the construction practices prevailing in the Eastern Province.

Recommendations have been made regarding the threshold values of chlorides, minimum cover, evaluation of local materials, type of cement, mix design and construction practices for obtaining durable concrete construction in the region.