Degradation of Concrete Structures

Abstract

Concrete has been the most useful material of construction in the recent centuries. It is a mixture, the properties of which change over time. In the residential buildings or infrastructure there have been used various forms of concrete. As a very useful material in the construction, concrete is the element that faces extreme environmental conditions. During the service, the quality of designed concrete can be improved by continuous contact with water as in the case of reservoirs, concrete foundations, etc . But the concrete also can worsen over time due to physical and chemical agents. Consequently, the structures are destroyed when they become unsafe. Degradation of concrete structures has become a crucial matter during the last 20-30 years. Some economically developed countries spend more on repairing and maintenance of structures. As a result, these countries appreciate the longevity of the building rather than the initial cost of its construction. The aim of this paper is to simplify the destruction schemes of concrete materials from atmospheric agents. As a result it is made an approach to the main phenomen that misbehave with concrete and the way it behaves different from the conditions in which it is located. It is concluded to achieve a long life for concrete, special care should be taken during its preparation and should be maken an intelligent choice as to its constituent materials and their reports.