Durability findings from case studies of marine concrete structures

The marine environment provides a severe durability test for reinforced concrete structures and deterioration may occur rapidly unless structures are correctly designed and built. Existing specifications for concrete do not appear to be effective in ensuring satisfactory durability performance in the marine environment and many structures require repairs during their design lives. From a survey of over 20 marine concrete structures along the Cape coast of South Africa, a number of observations are made regarding deterioration of marine concrete. Issues such as cover to reinforcement, concrete type, site practice, corrosion of reinforcement, and suitability of repairs are discussed and recommendations are made for improving concrete durability. Findings from the survey indicated that current specifications and construction practice were inadequate and could not guarantee concrete durability.