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Environmental deterioration

The main environmental deterioration effects on concrete stem from weathering, freeze/thaw, and fatigue from thermal movement caused by variations in temperature.

In addition, although the carbonation of concrete and the presence of chlorides in concrete will not directly affect the concrete itself they can change the characteristics of the concrete surrounding steel reinforcement making it possible for the steel to corrode.

Reinforcement corrosion may effect structural performance and can lead to disruption the concrete immediately surrounding the concrete.
 
Acknowledgement: The Concrete Society
 

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TR54 Diagnosis of deterioration in concrete structures- identification of defects, evaluation an

Visual Concrete: Weathering, stains and efflorescence

 
The information contained in this nugget has been provided by The Concrete Society technical staff.