Structural modelling and monitoring of corrosion

Evaluation of RC structures can not leave aside from adequate structural monitoring, as clearly stated in main international building codes. Internal reinforcement corrosion due to carbonation, chlorides and sulphides attacks is one of the main causes of degradation of RC structures. An adequate monitoring of corrosion process requires minimally invasive non destructive tests (NDT) to evaluate level of degradation reached by the materials composing the structures. This experimental phase should be coupled with specific theoretical models, herein proposed. Present analytical model allows to evaluate the crack initiation, thus to schedule maintenance operations avoiding the appearance of the effects of corrosion, thus leading to obvious economic and programmatic benefits. Conversely, in the case of existing/deficient structures , presenting corrosion effect, the analytical model can be coupled with NDT to estimate the corrosion degree and concrete degradation, for effective safety evaluations. Measurement of corrosion rate and open circuit potential are minimally invasive monitoring techniques, leading to adequate knowledge level to perform structural analyses, including efficiently the effect of corrosion.