Evaluation of current condition state of reinforced concrete structures exposed to severe environmental condition

Deterioration of reinforced concrete structures arise due to corrosion of steel present in concrete which leads to structural failure. A number of techniques and methods are being followed and studied by various researchers to predict the service life of the reinforced concrete (RC) structures. Chlorides initiate the corrosion of embedded reinforcements, which not only produces signs of deterioration on the concrete surface, such as rusting, cracking and spalling, but also reduces the load-carrying capacity. This paper discusses service life prediction methods of RC structures exposed to severe environmental conditions.