The premature failure of corroded steel reinforcements and the expansion of the iron corrosion products around the rebars are amongst the main causes of the concrete degradation. The carbon steel of rebars is protected from oxidation by atmospheric oxygen by the high pH of concrete interstitial water.
Premature failure of corroded steel reinforcements and expansion of iron corrosion products around the rebars are key factors in concrete deterioration. The protection of carbon steel rebar from atmospheric oxygen by the high pH of concrete interstitial water is a significant factor.