Chloride Penetration of Using Different Surface Material Repair on Concrete

Abstract: Chloride penetration is a leading cause of steel reinforcement corrosion in concrete structures, particularly in environments exposed to marine conditions, de-icing salts, and industrial pollutants. The transport properties of concrete, including permeability, porosity, diffusion, capillary absorption, and electrical resistivity, play a critical role in determining the extent of chloride ingress and its impact on structural durability. This paper investigates the effectiveness of three commonly used surface material repair like paint, epoxy, and mortar in mitigating chloride ion penetration in concrete on how high permeability and porosity accelerate chloride transport, thereby compromising the durability of concrete structures. Laboratory experiments were conducted using concrete specimens coated with these materials and exposed to chloride environments for specified periods. All these samples were compared to control samples without any remedial materials. Chloride concentrations at varying depths were measured, and the performance of each material was evaluated. Results show that epoxy provides the most effective barrier against chloride ingress, followed by mortar, while paint offers limited protection over time. This study offers insights into the durability and application considerations of each surface material repair for concrete protection.