Concrete cover usually protects reinforcing steel bars (also known as rebars) in concrete. A sound concrete cover physically provides a direct barrier preventing chemicals (chloride ions, carbon dioxide, etc.) from approaching the surface of the steel bar. In addition, high alkalinity in concrete chemically protects the embedded bar against corrosion. In typical concrete environments, the pH ranges between 12.5 and 13.5. Reinforcement corrosion develops when the alkalinity is neutralized by carbon dioxide (CO₂) reaction with the hydration products or when chlorides penetrate the concrete cover and reach the rebar. Chloride ions cause local destruction of the passive film, and CO₂ reacts with the hydrated cement matrix, decreasing the pore water pH (pH < 9) leading to reinforcing steel corrosion. When corrosion initiates a reinforcing steel bar corrodes in concrete, a surface layer of steel is consumed and a layer of corrosion products (rust) forms on the perimeter of the bar. The rust that forms occupies a larger volume than the consumed steel layer. The increased volume creates internal high pressures against the surrounding concrete; cracking and spalling result. Thus, steel corrosion may cause damage in steel, concrete, and the bond between them. Potential topics include, but are not limited to:

• Advanced electrochemical techniques for reinforcement corrosion measurements
• Corrosion prevention techniques
• Chloride-induced corrosion
• Carbonation-induced corrosion
• Corrosion inhibitors for concrete
• Numerical modeling of reinforcement corrosion in concrete
• Rehabilitation methods for concrete
• Electrochemical techniques for corrosion protection and maintenance
• Corrosion propagation y Corrosion residual life
• Monitoring of corrosion in reinforced concrete

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