Reinforcement corrosion risk of marine concrete structures evaluated through electrical resistivity: Proposal of parameters based on field structures

Reinforcement corrosion is the main cause of degradation in reinforced concrete structures around the world, and concrete electrical resistivity has been the object of durability studies with respect to non-destructive test methodologies in these structures. However, although many studies have been carried out, the correlations between probable corrosion risk and concrete electrical resistivity require revisions, since there is a lack of information about the environmental conditions and materials properties of the structures. Thus, this paper presents a new proposal of relations between the probable corrosion risk and the concrete electrical resistivity based on real structures present in different marine aggressive zones under natural degradation for more than 40 years. In addition, carbonation tests, paconometry, mercury intrusion porosimetry, compressive strength, and concrete reconstitution were performed. The results showed that the electrical resistivity values presented in literature recommendations are close to the values proposed in this study, however, a new class of analysis and a new range of values were added. Besides, properties related to concrete porosity and cement content showed an important role on the electrical resistivity, demonstrating that it is necessary the knowledge of physical and dosage concrete parameters for a concise durability analysis through field measurements of electrical resistivity.