Diffusion-reaction models for concrete exposed to chloride-sulfate attack based on porosity and water saturation

Reinforced concrete structures in an unsaturated state experiences significant degradation when exposed to combined chloride and sulfate attack in marine environments. For evaluating durability and predicting service life of reinforced structures, it is crucial to better understand ions diffusion, porosity variation and water saturation of concrete. Considering effect of porosity and water saturation degree on chloride diffusivity, a new diffusion-reaction model was established to investigate how concrete degrades exposed to the severe marine environment. The model was validated using experimental results from both hydrophobic and plain concrete that had undergone a 14-month exposure test at the Qingdao Wheat Island exposure station. The simulation results of the multi-ions model showed that both plain concrete and hydrophobic concrete experienced maximum reduction of chloride concentration of about 68% when compared to concrete exposed to the unsaturated condition.