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Introduction

In the recent past the costs of damage due to corrosion of reinforced concrete have risen dramatically. Concrete structures such as bridges, parking garages, buildings, and marine docks exposed to chlorides from either deicing salts or the local environment are subject to deterioration.

Chlorides that are introduced into the reinforced concrete structure initiate corrosion by destroying the passive film that is naturally formed on steel in concrete. The corrosion products of steel occupy several times the volume of the steel itself and exert tensile stresses on the surrounding concrete. Cracking of the concrete develops, and, ultimately, spalling of the concrete takes place. This can render the structure unsound for use.