Durability deterioration of concrete under marine environment from material to structure: A critical review

• Published in: Journal of Building Engineering Vol. 35; p. 102074
• Main Authors: Qu, Fulin, Li, Wengui, Dong, Wenkui, Tam, Vivian W.Y., Yu, Tao
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Elsevier Ltd 01.03.2021
• Subjects: Cementitious concrete; Deterioration; Durability; Marine environment; Marine environment; Durability; Cementitious concrete; Performance; Deterioration
• ISSN: 2352-7102; 2352-7102
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jobe.2020.102074

Durability deterioration of cementitious concrete and reinforced concrete (RC) is critical to durability, safety, and sustainability of infrastructures, especially for offshore concrete structures under marine environment. In this paper, the effects of marine environment on the deterioration mechanism, performance, and durability of concrete materials and structures are systematically reviewed. For the deterioration mechanism, the effect of various chemicals in seawater and different marine exposure zones on the cementitious concrete and reinforced concrete is firstly analyzed and compared. At material level, this paper discusses the characterizations of cementitious concrete, including compressive strength, chloride diffusion, carbonation depth, and pore structure. On the other hand, the performance of cementitious concrete with the addition of supplementary cementitious materials was also compared when exposed to marine environment. At structure level, the durability of RC structures, including beams and slabs and other elements with corrosion protection under marine environment is evaluated. This paper also assesses some cases studies of RC structures after many years of exposure to marine environment. Furthermore, prospectives are proposed for practical applications on concrete under marine environment. The conclusions are of great benefit to the researchers and engineers in the concrete-related industry who aim to develop durable and sustainable concrete infrastructures under marine environment. •The reinforced concrete is mainly affected by the physical and chemical interactions.•Under marine environment, corrosive chemicals enter through interconnected concrete pores.•The cause of corrosion must be detected and determined before any solution is selected.•Reinforced concrete can reach its useful life by using traditional concrete-making materials.