Service life estimation of concrete infrastructures

The adequate, long-term performance of reinforced concrete infrastructure depends greatly on being able to resist deterioration mechanisms such as reinforcement corrosion. The main mechanisms for this are described and critically reviewed in the light of properly-analyzed experience for, and behavior of, actual reinforced concrete structures. Recent research has shown that, for structures in the marine environment, the role of chlorides lies mainly in the reduction of the alkalinity of the protective, high-pH concrete, rather than in the direct attack on the reinforcement steel.