Modelling corrosion propagation in reinforced concrete structures – A critical review

The adoption of corrosion initiation as a limit state to define service life of RC structures has been challenged by researchers and engineers alike in light of the advancements in the concrete construction industry: improved reliability and safety, reduction in costs, and conservation of both materials and energy, which contribute towards sustainable concrete construction. The corrosion propagation phase is now appreciated as a significant component in the service life of RC structures and a good understanding of the propagation process is paramount. Various models have been developed to simulate and/or predict the propagation phase. This paper presents a critical review of some of the available models for corrosion propagation, and proposes ways forward to overcome some of these problems. Salient issues including the modelling techniques, input parameters and limit states are covered. Emphasis is also placed on the usefulness of the propagation models as tools to aid in the repair and maintenance of corrosion-damaged RC structures.