Advances in modeling of RILEM TC 178-TMC "Testing and modelling chloride penetration in concrete"

Abstract

Reinforced concrete structures may prove to be very durable; however their gradual degradation over time impairing both serviceability and structural safety is still a matter of great practical concern in view of the economical consequences related to assessment, maintenance, and repair. Corrosion of embedded steel reinforcement is considered the most detrimental process responsible for structural deterioration and numerous researches are in progress to try to find a comprehensive engineering approach for the initiation as well as the propagation period.

The importance of concrete permeability for the durability of concrete itself or the steel in reinforced concrete was recognized more than a decade ago by Rilem members. A technical committee TC-116-Permeability of concrete as a criterion for its durability was set up and its results were published (Rilem, 1999). This TC-116 promoted an important amount of research and contributed to the advance of understanding the relation between concrete permeability and durability. At the time of the initiation of the work of TC-116 durability was a dealt with on a broad and comprehensive perspective. At the end of the work, the need to study specifically chloride penetration into concrete in more depth was identified, since chloride attack represents the most severe corrosion damage on reinforced concrete structures with tremendous economical consequences. At the same time gaps in understanding many of the individual mechanisms controlling the attack still existed. This was the justification for the formation of a separate Rilem TC on chloride attack and its objectives in the description of the specific deterioration mechanism.