Analysis of Degradation for the Conservation of Reinforced Concrete

Department of Architecture, Università degli Studi della Campania Luigi Vanvitelli, Italy

Abstract: Knowing and recognizing the cases in which structural elements and components of building systems of our built heritage are subject to pathologies and forms of degradation is the first step towards a culture of prevention of catastrophes and risks to which citizens and housing would be subjected. Specifically, in the wake of the recent events that occurred not only in our country, due to negligence of professionals and technical underestimations, they undergo a preliminary study of diagnosis and treatment of reinforced concrete structures, starting from the material matrix. We focus on pathologies that are recognized in the corrosion of the reinforcements and in the consequent cracks, of which a variegated system of causes and origins has been found. Knowing them, in the pre-design phase, involves a correct realization of the structures, from the implementation to the creative, environmental and functional choices. The work is based on the study of specific pathologies, such as corrosion by carbonation, by attacks of chloride ions and those by sulphates, and the relative behaviors of the concrete subjected to them, so as to prevent discomfort, prohibit its enduring over time and stop threatening contaminations.