Use of advanced corrosion monitoring for risk based management of concrete structures

Reinforced concrete is a cost effective material used widely in our infrastructure. The durable combination of steel and concrete provides safety and serviceability. Normally, the physics and chemistry of concrete protects reinforcing steel against corrosion. Over time this protection can be lost due to aggressiveness from the environment, for example chloride ions from seawater and de-icing salts, causing corrosion. Corrosion is the main cause of damage to concrete structures. Due to ageing of the infrastructure, maintenance costs have increased to a major part of the total costs. Proper management should include taking measures for repair and re-install corrosion protection before danger occurs.