Analysis of durability-based design performance of coarse aggregates used for RC structures in corrosive environments

The optimal structural design of Reinforced Concrete (RC) structures in corrosive environments is often mainly controlled by durability-based constraints that are invariably imposed by rate of corrosion penetration to the level of reinforcing steel bar. The rate of corrosion of reinforcing steel bars is also controlled by a host of other design parameters that play a major role in design of concrete matrix. To address this multi-dimensional design problem in a typical corrosive environments (here taken as the conditions prevalent in eastern Saudi Arabia) an attempt has been made to investigate the performance of two types of coarse aggregates, obtained from two geographically-distant regions in the Kingdom, when used in producing concrete. For this purpose, 27 concrete mixtures were considered for each type of coarse aggregates by varying key mixture parameters with eight percent of cement content replaced by silica fume. Key features of a selected sample of results obtained for compressive strength and reinforcement corrosion rate tests are presented and discussed within the context of structural design-methodology and objective for durable RC structures in corrosive environments.