Sustainability

Corrosion is one of the primary causes of structural degradation across infrastructure systems. Exposure to moisture, oxygen, chlorides, and other environmental factors can initiate and accelerate corrosion, leading to reduced durability, serviceability, and structural capacity. Our team identifies corrosion in concrete and steel infrastructure to help owners and engineers understand existing conditions, assess risk, and plan effective maintenance and rehabilitation strategies.

In reinforced concrete structures, corrosion of embedded metals is a leading cause of deterioration. While concrete is a widely used and durable construction material, its long-term performance can be affected by factors such as erosion, fatigue, freeze–thaw cycles, and adverse chemical reactions. Without non-destructive testing, corrosion in concrete structures is often not identified until visible damage, such as cracking, delamination, or spalling, has already occurred.

Corrosion of reinforcing steel most often occurs due to exposure to chlorides from sources such as seawater, roadway de-icing chemicals, and surrounding soils. Chloride contamination may also be introduced during construction through the use of chloride-containing set accelerators, contaminated aggregates, or non-potable mixing water.

Corrosion can also develop when the pH of the concrete surrounding the steel is reduced due to exposure to atmospheric carbon dioxide. This process, known as carbonation, gradually lowers the alkalinity of the concrete. When the carbonation front reaches the reinforcing steel, the protective environment is reduced, allowing corrosion to initiate.