Influence of pore structure on corrosion resistance of high performance concrete containing metakaolin

Even though concrete is considered to be durable, the environment to which the concrete is exposed plays an important role in its durability. The durability of concrete is challenged due to its porous nature, which is especially important in harsh exposure conditions such as marine environment. The reinforced concrete elements of marine structures such as bridges, wharves, docks, etc. are subjected to various types of exposures such as wetting and drying action [WDA], fully submerged condition, and in contact with chlorides. To refine the pore structure of concrete and to improve the durability characteristics of such structures, it is essential to use high performance concrete [HPC]. In this study, metakaolin [MK] is used as partial replacement of cement to produce HPC. The use of metakaolin is found to be very effective in reducing the porosity of concrete. As the porosity of concrete decreases, the corrosion rate can be reduced considerably. The durability characteristics of metakaolin-incorporated HPC is studied for 365 days to investigate the changes in its pore structure in long term. The iCOR® NDT method is used to find the corrosion performance and concrete resistivity of high performance metakaolin concrete under a simulated wetting and drying action [WDA] of seawater over several periods. The deterioration effect caused by the simulated WDA of seawater is also studied by considering the bond strength of specimens subjected to normal and corrosive exposure conditions.