Experimental Investigation on Chlorine Ion Diffusion Coefficient of Reinforced Concrete Structures in Khanh Hoa Marine Regions

Corrosion of steel rebars in reinforced concrete (RC) structure is the main cause of concrete damage in maritime regions because of high content of chlorine ions. The penetration of chlorine ions through concrete cover is characterized by the diffusion coefficient D. According to recent research, the diffusion coefficient D depends on many factors of concrete material (cement, additive, ratio of water/cement (W/C ratio)) and concrete age. This important parameter of RC structure is necessary to predict its service life of structures in maritime zones of Khanh Hoa. For this reason, in this article, experimental investigation is carried out to provide diffusion coefficients for RC structures in maritime regions of Khanh Hoa (Viet Nam). The in-situ RC concrete samples are extracted and experimental data on diffusion coefficient at corresponding age (Dt). Based on this experimental data, the empirical time-dependence of diffusion coefficient (Dt) is proposed for RC structures in Khanh Hoa regions.