1. The economics of corrosion

Reinforced concrete has been widely used for over a century as a flexible, economical and durable construction material. The use of steel reinforcement in tense areas, due to concrete's low tensile strength, makes it possible to design structures for a wide range of uses, with concrete providing a protective environment for the reinforcement.

• Specific damage and its causes

  However, there are situations where reinforced concrete structures deteriorate faster or more severely than expected, due to faulty design, faulty installation or incorrect use of materials in relation to the aggressiveness of the environment. Generally speaking, deterioration is the result of a combination of these factors.

  Corrosion of carbon steels in concrete is one of the main pathologies affecting civil engineering...