Print this page Concrete Deterioration
Matthew Stuart, P.E., S.E., F.ASCE
Course Outline
Reinforced concrete is a very versatile and durable building material. Reinforced concrete efficiently combines the best properties of concrete and reinforcing steel into a strong structural element. In addition, the high alkalinity of concrete helps to protect the embedded steel from corrosion. However, due to the porosity of concrete, its use in exterior environments and tendency to be exposed to deleterious chemicals, this material can easily be subjected to deterioration.
Deterioration of concrete can take the form of corrosion of the internal reinforcing or degradation of the exposed surface of the material. Cracks increase the likely hood of the deterioration of concrete in most environments. Concrete can also become deteriorated via freeze/thaw cycles, internal aggregate reactions and heat.
Visual and destructive
methods of investigation should be employed when determining the cause of concrete
deterioration. The results of the physical observations and material tests associated
with a proper investigation should be used to establish the best methods of
repair and prevention of further deterioration.
This course includes
a true-false quiz at the end,
Learning Objective
At
the conclusion of this course, the student will:
- Develop a basic understanding of the properties of reinforced concrete and its susceptibility to deterioration.
- Become familiar with the most likely causes and sources of concrete deterioration.
- Understand how best to investigate an existing concrete structure for the not only the potential but also the existence of degraded concrete.
- Become familiar with general recommendations for the repair, protection and strengthening of concrete structures.
Course Introduction
Before designing
a new concrete structure or as a part of the investigation of an existing concrete
structure it is helpful to have a basic understanding of the properties and
susceptibilities of the material that can either prevent or promote deterioration.
The following discussion will provide the user with a basic understanding of
the conditions in which a concrete structure is most likely to exhibit deterioration
and the cause of the degradation.
Course Content The course content is contained in the following PDF file: Please click on
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Summary
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Reinforced concrete is a very versatile and durable building material. Hardened concrete has very good compressive strength, but very poor tensile strength. Steel on the other hand has both very good tensile strength and thermal properties that are compatible with concrete. Concrete is also highly alkaline. This property provides an environment that limits the corrosion of any embedded steel and helps to assure the durability of the reinforced concrete member. The complementary properties of concrete and steel are combined to provide reinforced concrete structures that are capable of supporting considerable loads.
Due to the porosity of concrete, its use in exterior environments and tendency to be exposed to deleterious chemicals, reinforced concrete can easily be subjected to deterioration. Sources of deterioration include corrosion of the reinforcing steel and degradation of the exposed concrete surface due to chemical attack. Concrete deterioration can also occur as a result of freeze/thaw cycles, internal aggregate reactions and exposure to extreme heat. The presence of cracks both promotes and helps accelerate deterioration of concrete.
Visual and destructive
methods of investigation should be employed when determining the cause of concrete
deterioration. The results of the physical observations and material tests associated
with a proper investigation should be used to establish the best methods of
repair and prevention of further deterioration.
Related Links
For additional information related to this subject, please visit the following websites or web pages:
The International Concrete Repair Institute
Quiz
Once you finish studying the above course content, you need to take a quiz to obtain the PDH credits.
DISCLAIMER: The materials contained in the online course are not intended as a representation or warranty on the part of PDHonline.com or any other person/organization named herein. The materials are for general information only. They are not a substitute for competent professional advice. Application of this information to a specific project should be reviewed by a registered professional engineer. Anyone making use of the information set forth herein does so at their own risk and assumes any and all resulting liability arising therefrom.
