Author Type

Graduate Student

Date of Award

Summer 7-17-2026

Document Type

Thesis

Publication Status

Version of Record

Submission Date

July 2026

Department

Ocean and Mechanical Engineering

College Granting Degree

College of Engineering and Computer Science

Department Granting Degree

Ocean and Mechanical Engineering

Degree Name

Master of Science (MS)

Thesis/Dissertation Advisor [Chair]

Francisco Presuel-Moreno

Abstract

In aggressive marine environments, the deterioration of reinforced concrete structures is primarily caused by chloride-induced corrosion of embedded carbon steel reinforcement, resulting in concrete cracking, spalling, and costly maintenance or premature replacement. Corrosion-resistant reinforcement has been developed to mitigate these effects; however, long-term field performance data remain limited. This study evaluates the long-term corrosion performance of several corrosion-resistant rebars embedded in simulated deck slab concrete specimens following approximately 20 years of chloride exposure.

Concrete specimens containing 304SS, 316SS, and 2304 duplex SS, two types of clad reinforcement (316SS with carbon steel core), and an intermediate alloy with 12% Cr were periodically evaluated over the course of approximately 14-16 months using electrochemical techniques, including corrosion potential, corrosion current density, and solution resistance measurements. Based on electrochemical measurements and visual evidence of corrosion, selected specimens were destructively examined through forensic evaluation of the extracted rebars and chloride analysis of the surrounding concrete.

Most samples exhibited little to no evidence of active corrosion, with 316SS and 2304 duplex SS demonstrating the best overall performance. The 12% Cr alloy experienced active corrosion and severe localized attack; in this case an artificial crack reduced the concrete cover and an artificial crevice was formed by attaching two rebars together. Clad reinforcement generally performed well; however, localized corrosion occurred wherever the cladding was compromised and the carbon steel core was exposed.

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