CAUSES OF DETERIORATION

by ABHIJEET KATIYAR May 24, 2020 · STRUCTURAL HEALTH MONITORING

Causes of Deterioration

The following are the causes of failure of structure:

Occurrences incidental to construction stage. This could be attributed to

Local settlement of subgrade.
- Movement of formwork.
- Vibrations.
- Internal settlement of concrete suspension.
- Setting Shrinkage.
- Premature removal forms.

Drying Shrinkage

Temperature stresses

This may be due to-

Difference in temperatures between the inside of the building with its environment.
Variation in internal temperature of the building or structure.

Absorption of moisture by concrete

Corrosion of reinforcement

This could be caused by-

The entry of moisture through cracks or pores.
Electrolytic action

Aggressive action of chemical

Weathering action

Action of shock waves

Erosion

Poor design details at-

Re-entrant corners
Changes in cross-section
Rigid joints in precast elements
Deflections

This led to-

Leakage through joints
Inadequate drainage
Inefficient drainage slopes
Unanticipated shear stresses in piers, columns and abutments etc
Incompatibility of materials of sections
Neglect in design

Errors in design

Errors in earlier repairs

Overloading

External influences such as

Earthquake
Wind
Fire
Cyclones etc.

Some of the major causes of deterioration of concrete structure are discussed in detail here.

Design and construction flows

Design of the concrete structures governs the performance of concrete structures. Well designed and detailed concrete structure will show less deterioration in comparison with poorly designed and detailed concrete, in the similar condition. The beam-column joints are particularly prone to defective concrete, if detailing and placing of reinforcement is not done properly. Inadequate concrete cover may lead to carbonation depth reaching up to the reinforcement, thus increasing the risk of corrosion of reinforcement.

Environmental Effects

Micro-cracks present in the concrete are the source of ingress of moisture and atmospheric carbon di-ozide into the concrete which attack reinforcement and react with various ingredients of concrete. In aggressive environment concrete structures will deteriorate faster and strength life of concrete structure will be severely reduced.

Poor Quality material used

Quality of material to be used in construction, should be ensured by means of various tests as specified by the IS codes. Alkali-aggregate reaction and sulphate attack results in early deterioration. Clayey materials in the fine aggregate may weaken the mortar aggregate bond and reduce the strength. Salinity causes corrosion of reinforcement bars as well as deterioration of concrete.

Quality of supervision

Construction work should be carried out as per the l aid sown specification.
Adherence to specified water/cement ratio controls strength, permeability and durability of concrete.
Insufficient vibration may result in porous and honey combed concrete, whereas excess vibration may cause segregation.

Deterioration due to corrosion

Spalling of concrete cover
Cracks parallel to the reinforcement
Spalling at edges
Swelling of concrete
Dislocation
Internal cracking and reduction in area of steel of reinforcement

Rehabilitation

Rehabilitation consists of restoring the structure to service level; it once had and now lost. Strengthening consists of endowing the structure with a service level higher than that initially planned by modifying the structure not necessarily damaged.

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