Presents the mechanism of corrosion of reinforcement and the conditions under which corrosion can occur in reinforced concrete. Chloride ingress and carbonation are discussed together with the importance of concrete cover and an impervious surface. Criteria for evaluating crack widths are given. Methods of protecting reinforcement, such as galvanized and epoxy-coated reinforcement, are discussed but not generally advocated. It is concluded that corrosion of reinforcement is usually not a problem in architectural precast concrete. High quality concrete with strengths between 5000 and 6000 psi (34.5 and 4 7.4 MPa) and a water-cement ratio of 0.40 or less is adequate in preventing corrosion.
