Influence of seawater on reinforced concrete buildings

Abstract

Two post-war multi-storey buildings in Hong Kong were condemned and subsequently demolished, and another one was extensively repaired, all due to the serious state of corrosion of steel reinforcement and crumbling of concrete covers caused by the use of seawater in mixing concrete. The mechanism of the damage was discussed in the context of the steel and concrete interaction as well as the environment in which the buildings were situated. The deterioration and damage of the actual buildings are reported and illustrated.