Concrete in the marine environment: a review with emphasis on tropical coastal applications

Abstract

The effect of the marine environment on concrete depends on the climate and the zone of exposure. Degradation of concrete takes place due to a-self reinforcing permeation-chemical attack-cracking-permeation cycle.-Chemical attack can take place in the concrete or in the steel, if the concrete is reinforced. Cracking can occur due LO loading as well as physical and chemical phenomena, either internal or external. Permeation of both water and various harmful ions will depend on the quality of the concrete.