Effect of Curing on the Deterioration of RC Structures in the Arabian Gulf

Abstract

The deterioration of concrete in the Arabian Gulf is responsible for reduced service life of reinforced concrete structures. The reasons for degradation are attributed to the harsh environmental conditions and the prevalence of unruly construction practices. The negligence of moist curing of concrete is an important cause of concrete deterioration. In this thesis, concrete is cast mimicking the exposure conditions in winter and summer of the Arabian Gulf, and the performance of concrete while altering its curing durations by 0 days, 3 days, 7 days and 28 days were studied. The batches of concrete were exposed to three exposures of outdoor sun, sea water and laboratory conditions for 30 days and 90 days durations. The compressive strength and micro-structural analysis were also studied. The hydration process of concrete was compared to the compressive strength and thus suggesting the cause of deterioration to be the incomplete hydration. The chloride content of the concrete was found to measure the potential to reinforcement corrosion. The concrete cast and cured in summer were found to be more degrading compared to the concrete cast and cured in winter. Increasing the curing duration from 0 days to 28 days enhanced the properties of concrete, developing a healthy micro-structure. A relation between the chemistry of hydration and compressive strength of concrete is suggested.