Case 1

Introduction

Type of Building: Public Residential Flats

In this case, spalling of concrete has taken place due to the corrosion of reinforcement bars. Deteriorated concrete is not just unsightly—it can compromise structural integrity. A spall is simply a section of concrete that is breaking away or has broken away from the original structure. Usually corrosion of reinforcement would presents symptom of cracks initially.

Two major factors in allowing corrosion to proceed to an unacceptable degree are carbonation of the products of cement hydration and depassivation of the steel by chloride ions, which may either been present in the original concrete constituents or are introduced during service life.

See also Material Manual > Common Phenomenon > Concrete Spalling