Methods for estimating life-span of concrete structures subjected to sea water

Abstract

At the present age, several service life models have been developed for estimating life-span of marine concrete structures. There are generally models based on either diffusivity or resistivity theory. Each model comes with different degree of uncertainty and limitations. This has instigated an issue on whether the application of diffusivity or resistivity theory in the existing service life model has been sufficient for estimating life-span of concrete structures subjected to chloride penetration.

The purpose of this report is to develop and recommend a suitable service life model for the prediction of life-span of concrete structures subjected to sea water. To investigate the possibility of improving existing models associated with chloride-induced reinforcement corrosion, three existing service life models: a rational model, a combined model and Andrade’s model were analysed and evaluated. To simplify the process of service life prediction, a theoretical model that is based on the existing experimental chloride profile data was also proposed in this study.