Concrete durability in o very aggressive environment

The environmental conditions in the coastal areas of the Arabian Gulf are considered to be very aggressive with regards to durability of concrete. The reduction in the useful service-life of concrete structures in this region is attributed to an interplay of geomorphic and environmental factors charactedzed by: (i) environment charged with high concentrations of chloride and sulfate (ii) high ambient temperature and humidity, (iii) daily and seasonal variations in temperature and humidity, (iv) contaminated ground water at very shallow depths and (v) contaminated and absorptive aggregates. While the major cause of deterioration is reinforcement corrosion, degradation of concrete due to sulfate attack and salt weathering arc not uncommon. This paper presents a review of the over-all concrete deterioration phenomena in aggressive service conditions, such as in the Arabian Gulf, elaborating the role of each of the degradation phenomena and spelling out the need for further research to produce durable concrete which is economical and has a long service life.