Modelling of chloride ion diffusion rates in new structures subjected to various chloride exposure regimes, offers an indication of time to corrosion initiation and potential requirement for additional protection in aggressive environments. This can form a part of a life care plan offering an assessment time to first maintenance.
The above graph illustrates test data for reinforced concrete samples exposed to chloride salt environment. The build up in total chloride in the first 8 years of this OPC concrete subject to constant chloride exposure is shown together with the fitted profiles given by conventional approach and the associated apparent diffusion coefficients. The diffusion coefficients can be used to model time to corrosion of steel in a concrete structure.