Analysis of Chloride Penetration Into High Performance Concrete

Corrosion of reinforcement is one of basic destruction mechanisms of reinforced concrete structures. In that sense, the most affected structures are those by the sea, especially their parts subjected to cycles of wetting and drying. Chlorides penetrate to concrete mostly by diffusion, faster if the concrete is more permeable, destructing reinforcement passive protection and causing its corrosion, reduction of reinforcement cross section and bearing capacity of the structure. Retardation of chloride corrosion that causes structure degradation in marine environment can be achieved by the usage of quality concrete with enhanced strength and permeability parameters in regards to ordinary concrete. Mixes of ordinary and high performance concrete with different ratio of silica fume have been made. Compressive strength and resistivity to chloride penetration have been tested on the specimens 28 days after mixing. The resistivity to chloride penetration has been determined by fast chloride penetration test according to ASTM C1202 standard, using appliance that measures electrical conductivity of concrete specimens. Based on test results, the suitability of building reinforced concrete structures by the sea using high performance concrete has been analysed.