These are the main mechanism for the degradation of concrete in marine structures

The main mechanisms for degradation to which a marine structure – or a part of it – is subjected will depend, among other factors, on the marine exposure zone in which it is located. In this regard, 5 marine exposure zones can be distinguished, as can be observed in the figure below.

The marine environment is the generator of the causes of concrete deterioration.

These causes can be both physical and chemical. The most important causes of deterioration in each of the zones are:

• Marine atmosphere zone
  • Corrosion of reinforcement activated by chlorides
  • Frost damage
• Splash zone
  • Corrosion of reinforcement activated by chlorides
  • Abrasion due to waves action
  • Frost damage
• Tidal zone
  • Abrasion due to wave action, floating ice and other objects, the collision of ships, etc.
  • Corrosion of reinforcement activated by chlorides
  • Frost damage
  • Biological growths
  • A chemical attack on concrete
• Subtidal zone
  • Corrosion of reinforcement
  • Chemical attack
  • Marine colonies and biological attack
  • Frost