How do water and contaminates break down concrete over time?

Engineers have long sought to understand the science of concrete corrosion, in hopes of devising strategies and materials that can resist it. And while research into this phenomenon remains ongoing, decades of progress has made one thing painfully clear: cracks are at the root of things when it comes to preventing concrete corrosion.

This focuses on the corrosion time lapse – detailing not just how cracks lead to corrosion but also how they signal its onset, so engineers can tell when it’s time for repairs or replacement.

Knowing the stages leading up to complete failure could save an untold amount of money and headaches down the line.

1. Concrete pores are dry and open to the elements.

2. Concrete pores fill with water + contaminates and evaporates.

3. Over time, this leads to cracks and eventual structure failure.