STRUCTURAL REINFORCEMENT OF A BUILDING Special subjects THE CORROSION OF THE STEEL REINFORCEMENT OF THE LOAD BEARING ELEMENTS OF A BUILDING An important issue with a building is the corrosion of the steel reinforcement of the load-bearing structure or element of the building. Metal (steel) reinforcing rebars should be protected from corrosion caused by the reactions with oxygen in the air, moisture, and chlorides or sulfur compounds found in the atmosphere, as well as the water in the soil or subsoil. The steel reinforcing rebars are generally protected by encasing them in concrete during the construction phase of the building. The mechanism of steel corrosion is an electrochemical process, and for that, the presence of moisture and oxygen is required. The integrated steel rebars, which are affected by rust (a corrosion product), can occupy 6–8 times the original space of the steel. This swelling creates tensile forces in the mass of the concrete surrounding the steel reinforcement. Because concrete is brittle and weak in its tensile or expansion forces, it forms cracks and then crumbles. The leakage or penetration of water or moisture inside the concrete elements is the main reason for the total diffusion of aggressive ions such as chloride and sulfate ions in the mass of concrete. It is very important to know that any repair tactics to be used will not bring substantial results if the main cause of wear (in this case, the penetration of water into the concrete) is not properly addressed when planning and selecting the repair process. From all of the above, it is reasonable to conclude that it is not good enough to choose a good repair or anti-corrosive product. It is then equally important and necessary to ensure the water-tightness and waterproofness of the construction. The section that begins from this point includes several articles on important issues relating to buildings or homes. It was deemed appropriate to include in this, some matters of general interest that concern us frequently or less frequently (e.g., damage from seismic activity in the area of the building), as we believe that it will be useful both to increase the knowledge and the understanding of the reader but also for practical reasons (recognizing problems, prevention and early, proactive treatment). For additional information or other related issues regarding your home or building, please contact the Technical Support Team of DUROSTICK where you will be able to get specific answers to your concerns. Repair & Renovation Guide 63
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