Study of the micro structural mechanisms of steel and concrete degradation under chlorides effect

In this experimental study, the reinforced concrete degradation subjected to chlorides penetration was investigated by electrochemical and physical-chemical tests at changes in coating depth. A comparative study was carried out on reinforced concrete specimens produced in the laboratory with different coating thicknesses. One of these specimens was kept as a control, while the two others were immersed in an aggressive environment (seawater) for a period of t = 4 years. The aim is to carry out an in-depth study of concrete and reinforcing steel in the test specimens' degradation, by analysing and quantifying the chloride-concrete-reinforcing steel interactions as a function of the thickness of the coating, while interpreting and justifying the phenomena underlying the degradation studied. The results of the tests carried out have provided a quantitative basis and an indepth understanding of the parameters of concrete degradation that cause a decrease in its mechanical strength, as well as the depassivation of steel through corrosion.