The performance Comparison of Microsilica and MCI concrete in reducing corrosion caused by chloride penetration in harsh marine environment

This paper presents the long-term durability performance Comparison of concrete containing microsilica (MS) and migration corrosion inhibitor (MCI) when exposed to a harsh marine environment for 16 months. Concrete specimens (15cm×15cm×15cm) were casting using w/c in the range of 0.40. In the first stage depth of chloride penetration was measured. The depth of chloride penetration was greater than 60 mm (2.5 inches) for all the control specimens (without MS and MCI). However, mixes containing MS and MCI perform very well resulting in chloride penetration of approximately 25mm (1 in) during the same period. In the second stage, the corrosion potential of reinforcing steels embedded in the concrete specimens was measured every day for a period of 60 days based on the ASTM C876 standard. The results from the Corrosion test also indicate a significant increase in corrosion resistance for concrete containing migration corrosion inhibitor (MCI). The experimental results show that, use of migration corrosion inhibitor (MCI) is the most effective way to prevent reinforcement corrosion in marine concrete structures in Imam Khomeini Port, Iran.