Abstract

In this investigation it is characterized the durability of concrete exposed to marine (Valparaíso) and urban (Santiago) atmospheres during 4 years making use of reinforced and non reinforced specimens. Two types of concretes were designed with w/c ratios of 0,65 and 0,45. The mechanical and physical characterization of the concretes was achieved by determining: compressive strength and traction, elasticity module, resistivity, capillary absorption and total porosity. To evaluate the corrosion of the steel, the corrosion potential and the polarization resistance were measured monthly as well as concrete resistance. The carbonation and chloride penetration in concrete were characterized to determine the critical content to initiate the corrosion process of the reinforcement. Preliminary results show that after 10 months of exposition, the corrosion potential as well as the polarization resistance confirms the passive state of the steel.