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The steel–concrete interface (SCI) is a complex, multi-phase and multi-scale system. It is widely known to influence the performance and long-term durability of concrete structures. However, a fundamental understanding of its properties and effects on corrosion initiation of embedded reinforcing steel remains elusive. This is attributed to its complicated heterogeneity and time-dependent nature, exacerbated by the lack of suitable techniques for systematic and detailed characterisation. This paper, prepared by members of the RILEM Technical Committee 262-SCI, critically reviews available information regarding current methods (laboratory or field-based) for characterising local properties of the SCI that have been identified as governing factors affecting corrosion initiation. These properties include characteristics of the steel such as mill scale and rust layers, and characteristics of the concrete such as interfacial voids, microstructure and moisture content. We evaluated over twenty methods and summarised their advantages, applications and limitations. The findings show a severe lack of well established, non-destructive techniques that are suitable for direct monitoring of the SCI at a representative scale with sufficiently high resolution (spatial, temporal), particularly for moisture related aspects. Several promising novel techniques with significant potential for further development and application were identified and discussed. Finally, we provide several recommendations for future research needs that are required to advance this critically important topic.

The environmental impact during concrete manufacturing can be reduced by using less cement or using types of cement with high amounts of secondary cementitious materials (SCMs) and fillers. Fly ash from municipal solid waste incineration (MSWI) is an unused material, which could potentially be used as an SCM or filler. The applicability of MSWI fly ash samples in cement-based materials was investigated through an indirect determination based on the chemical composition, toxic metal content and particle size distribution of the samples. Furthermore, how the samples compared to each other and how representative the samples were for MSWI fly ash, in general, were investigated by multivariate modelling. MSWI fly ash samples were obtained from Denmark, Sweden and Greenland. Comparing the chemical composition of the MSWI fly ash samples with the chemical requirements for coal fly ash to be used in concrete, specified in EN 450-1 2012, indicated a low potential as SCMs. Additionally, the MSWI fly ash contained and leached more toxic metals than the allowed limits. The particle size distributions were larger than cement and indicated limited potential as filler. A principal component analysis showed that the obtained samples were chemically different materials compared to each other and would have different effects if used in cement-based materials. Additionally, the samples from Denmark were unrepresentative of MSWI fly ash, while the Greenlandic and Swedish samples were comparable to previously studied MSWI fly ash samples.

The steel–concrete interface (SCI) is known to influence corrosion of steel in concrete. However, due to the numerous factors affecting the SCI—including steel properties, concrete properties, execution, and exposure conditions—it remains unclear which factors have the most dominant impact on the susceptibility of reinforced concrete to corrosion. In this literature review, prepared by members of RILEM technical committee 262-SCI, an attempt is made to elucidate the effect of numerous SCI characteristics on chloride-induced corrosion initiation of steel in concrete. We use a method to quantify and normalize the effect of individual SCI characteristics based on different literature results, which allows comparing them in a comprehensive context. It is found that the different SCI characteristics have received highly unbalanced research attention. Parameters such as w/b ratio and cement type have been studied most extensively. Interestingly, however, literature consistently indicates that those parameters have merely a moderate effect on the corrosion susceptibility of steel in concrete. Considerably more pronounced effects were identified for (1) steel properties, including metallurgy, presence of mill scale or rust layers, and surface roughness, and (2) the moisture state. Unfortunately, however, these aspects have received comparatively little research attention. Due to their apparently strong influence, future corrosion studies as well as developments towards predicting corrosion initiation in concrete would benefit from considering those aspects. Particularly the working mechanisms related to the moisture conditions in microscopic and macroscopic voids at the SCI is complex and presents major opportunities for further research in corrosion of steel in concrete., Accepted Author Manuscript, Materials and Environment

Although the steel–concrete interface (SCI) is widely recognized to influence the durability of reinforced concrete, a systematic overview and detailed documentation of the various aspects of the SCI are lacking. In this paper, we compiled a comprehensive list of possible local characteristics at the SCI and reviewed available information regarding their properties as well as their occurrence in engineering structures and in the laboratory. Given the complexity of the SCI, we suggested a systematic approach to describe it in terms of local characteristics and their physical and chemical properties. It was found that the SCI exhibits significant spatial inhomogeneity along and around as well as perpendicular to the reinforcing steel. The SCI can differ strongly between different engineering structures and also between different members within a structure; particular differences are expected between structures built before and after the 1970/1980s. A single SCI representing all on-site conditions does not exist. Additionally, SCIs in common laboratory-made specimens exhibit significant differences compared to engineering structures. Thus, results from laboratory studies and from practical experience should be applied to engineering structures with caution. Finally, recommendations for further research are made., Materials and Environment

Cracks can alter the rate of fluid transport in concrete. Unfortunately, however, quantitative information is lacking to provide definitive statements regarding the extent to which cracks reduce durability or long-term performance. This paper describes a study that used X-ray transmission/attenuation to determine the influence of cracking on the absorption of fluid in concrete. Specifically, an experimental method is presented which uses a wedge splitting test to pre-crack specimens. These pre-cracked specimens were dried and ponded with water. At various times after the start of water ponding, X-ray attenuation measurements were taken using a grid of points around the crack. By repeating this measurement and comparing the change in X-ray transmission/attenuation, the ingress of the fluid could be determined by locating the position of the moisture front. An approach is presented to determine the geometry of the crack by using water absorption perimeter measurements of the wetting front in the concrete.