Impact of biofouling on corrosion resistance of reinforced concrete

Abstract

The settlement of marine organisms on reinforced concrete surfaces can affect the durability of concrete structures due to the initiation of corrosion processes. A uniform settlement of biofoulers covering an entire concrete surface can protect the structure from deterioration; a nonuniform deposit can lead to severe localized pitting corrosion. To study this cylindrical reinforced concrete electrodes were exposed to seawater. They were periodically removed and examined for the presence of fouling organisms. Polarization of the reinforcement was carried out to assess the corrosion rate. The studies showed that corrosion of the reinforcement depends on the extent and nature of biofouling, the location of the electrodes in the sea, and the period of exposure