Proposed variations in nominal reinforcement cover based on the environmental aggressivity class (EAC) of concrete exposure

Abstract

The physical and chemical protection of steel reinforcement afforded by the cover is a consequence of the quality of the concrete and its thickness, with a long-term impact on durability and service life. This study proposed variations in cover based on environmental aggressivity class (EAC) of exposure considering concretes of prescribed compressive strength classes (C20/C25/C30/C40). To this end, concrete mixtures were subjected to accelerated testing in salt spray chambers or carbonation. Accelerated testing was kept for periods long enough to reach each EAC cover level. Thus, the effect of each EAC, from mild to severe, was determined on the physical and mechanical characteristics of each mixture. It was determined that the required reinforcement cover varied linearly with compressive strength. This denoted the possibility of using more than one class of concrete and cover for each EAC. It should be noted that the difference in required cover became greater when using concrete with a strength class higher than C30. Still, it was noticed that the chloride ions attack s was more severe than carbonation and was, for most of the test cases, the determinant factor in minimum cover thickness to ensure the desired durability.