Part 1: Quiz

1- Explain why, initially, steel reinforcement does not corrode in concrete.

2- What is the cathodic reaction of steel corrosion in concrete?

3- Explain why tidal zone is considered as the most severe exposure condition for

coastal reinforced concrete structures?

4- What is the main difference between SR cement and GP cement composition?

Why?

5- Figure 1 presents the total chloride profiles calculated for a concrete exposed to

sea water for different periods of time up to 50 years. The initial chloride content of

the concrete is assumed nil (C0 = 0). The total chloride surface concentration (at x =

0) is assumed to be equal to 2% of the cement mass (Cw = 2%). The total chloride

threshold adopted (for steel corrosion to start) is 0.4% of the cement mass. The

service life of the building is expected to be 50 years. Providing the chloride profiles

presented in Figure 1, what is the minimum concrete cover required?