DEGRADATION OF REINFORCED CONCRETE STRUCTURES ESPECIALLY OF DAM AND BUILDINGS IN ITS PROXIMITY

All reinforced concrete structures suffer from deterioration due to action of changes in the atmosphere. Moisture content is one of the major causes that deteriorate concrete cover in RCC structures. It leads to falling of concrete below ‘bottom reinforcement’, resulting in a situation, when the later comes in contact with the atmosphere. A study was conducted to elucidate the damages when the structure is exposed to environment. Our study reveals that deterioration of concrete is mainly initiated in rainy and winter seasons. The corrosion cracking of high yield strength deformed (HYSD) bars leads to falling of concrete cover. In case of workshop buildings, corrosion in beam/slab structure is initiated on account of the outdoor environment and indoor fumes produced in the galvanizing processes. In case of dams, the extreme condition occurs. Standard concrete directly comes in contact of water from the very beginning of its life till its end. Usually an arrangement to discharge seepage water outside the inspection gallery is provided. Due to continuous seepage of water the reinforcement remains always in wet condition and leads to formation of corrosive layer around the reinforcement. Eventually water looks reddish in color. This paper reports the results of surveys on concrete structures mainly RCC dam and buildings in its proximity. It discusses simple inspection procedures that can be used to verify the extent of damages in the concrete structures.

• INTRODUCTION

• METHODS OF INVESTIGATION

• OBSERVATIONS

• DISCUSSION

• REMEDIAL MEASURES

• CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATIONS

• ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

• REFERENCES