Corrosion assessment of a reinforced concrete structure exposed to coastal environment in Mariveles, Bataan

The study focuses on the corrosion assessment of a reinforced concrete structure exposed to coastal environments. The test site of the study is an operational grain terminal at Mariveles, Bataan, called the Mariveles Grain Terminal. Piers 1 and 2 of the Grain Terminal were assessed for carbonation, chloride-induced corrosion, and corrosion risk determination of the piles. The researchers were aided by Stanger Philippines Inc., who provided carbonation and chloride content data. Half-cell potential and cover depth data were gathered by the researchers through Silver Chloride Half-cell Potential device and the Zircon MT Cover Depth meter, both provided by the Tokyo Institute of Technology (TIT).The goal of the study is to assess the current condition of the reinforced concrete exposed to the coastal environment of the Mariveles Grain Terminal Port. Tests were conducted to determine the average cover depth of the concrete, chloride content, carbonation depth and the half-cell potential values.The data obtained from the tests are used to analyze the current structural condition of the structure. The researches expected that the values obtained from the tests would indicate high risks of corrosion since corrosion of steel in some parts of the structure are visually present on site. The first impression was that the structure would be in a condition where it would require repairs to maintain operation. Fortunately, the values obtained from the test only indicate intermediate risk of corrosion, which means the structure is still safe from failure due to corrosion damages. However, the structure is built in an aggressive environment and thus, is greatly vulnerable for chloride-induced corrosion.