Durability of a reinforced concrete structure exposed to marine environment at the Málaga dock

Abstract

The durability of structures in aggressive environments does not often reach the service life for which they were designed. This paper shows the methodology and results obtained in the evaluation of a 22-year-old breakwater’s crow wall. The results reveal that there are no degradation processes or expansive reactions in the concrete, nor carbonation. However, there is high chloride contamination, which has led to depassivation of the reinforcement of the entire structure, which in turn has led to bursting and delamination of the cover in some areas. Monte Carlo analysis shows that the chloride concentration exceeds the critical concentration given by the regulations up to a depth of 150 mm. It is advisable immediate repair and protection of the structure given the condition of the structure.

Keywords

• Corrosion
• Marine exposure
• Concrete
• NDT
• Monte Carlo simulation