Evaluation of Preventative Methods against Rebar Corrosion in Concrete

Prevention of rebar corrosion is achieved in the design and construction phases, by means of suitable mix design, casting and curing, and adequate cover depth; this approach have been introduced in international standards (EN 206) and design codes (Eurocode 2). Additional protection methods (cathodic protection, stainless steel or galvanised rebars, corrosion inhibitors, concrete coatings) can be used in very aggressive environment, especially in presence of chlorides, or when increased service life is required. In this work a simplified performance-based approach, based on Monte Carlo simulation, has been used to evaluate the service life (initiation time of corrosion) in chloride containing environments. The results confirmed that cathodic prevention and stainless steels are the most effective protection methods to guarantee a safe working condition in a severe environment. The use of pozzolanic or slag cement is confirmed as an effective way to slow chloride transport and by this way to increase the service life.