Material Durability - Essay Example

The anode presents the species where corrosion takes place and a point from which electric current originates, whereas the cathode is the species to which the electric current flows without succumbing to corrosion. Electrolytes act as the current conduction media and include water, concrete among many others (Corrosion Doctors n.d., para.2). The metallic path is the means of connection that enables current flow between the anode and cathode thereby resulting in the completion of the circuit. In the general condition around the embedded steel cannot corrode due to an oxide layer, making it inactive and the concrete provides enough cover against corrosion.

However, concrete cover suffers compromise under certain circumstances, which break down the surface oxide layer to expose the steel to corrosion forces. When it begins, the four corrosion elements activate and the structure falls to risks of weakness occasioned by wearing out of metal. Firstly, when the structure’s location comes to direct contact with salty moisture such as is often the case near seawater, the environment acts as a catalyst and accelerates corrosion. Salt is composed of sodium chloride and the contact of chloride ions with the steel results in corrosion.

Coastal regions have a good number of reinforced concrete structures, which are in a constant threat of exposure to the moisture, through directly contact either with seawater or through humidity. Secondly, the reduction of the alkaline condition of the concrete around the steel creates the perfect condition for corrosion and pitting (Cadman 2012, para.1). The commonest route for this reduction of alkaline condition is carbonation of concrete, resulting in a neutral condition that supports corrosion.

When compared to the impact of chloride environment on causation of corrosion, carbonation has a lower damage to the integrity