Assessment of service life models for determination of chloride penetration into silica fume concrete in the severe marine environmental condition

In the last decades, the Persian Gulf region has experienced significant development in marine construction. But many RC structures are showing signs of deterioration, mainly due to the chloride-induced corrosion of reinforcement. The aim of this study is assessment of basic parameters in long term chloride penetration in severe marine environmental condition. Therefore, five year-old concrete jetties were investigated depending on two parameters, (a) construction method: in situ and precast, (b) exposure conditions: atmospheric, splash and tidal zones. Also some accelerated durability tests were performed on standard samples having similar concrete mixture. Finally, theoretical chloride penetration profiles and corrosion initiation time were estimated by four service life prediction models. Experimental results showed all concrete properties are complying with relevant durability requirements and micro-environment characterization has great influence on chloride penetration. In addition, the obtained results from service life models showed the existence of various uncertainties in parameters of chloride penetration.