The influence of the permeability of concrete cover on reinforcement corrosion

Surface permeability tests were performed on near-surface concrete, which was either directly over or remote from reinforcing bars. Test specimens were 150 mm concrete cubes with either 8 mm or 16 mm diameter bars placed in either the corner or the side faces of the specimens. Permeability of cover concrete over a bar was found to be greater than that remote from a bar: Cover to maximum aggregate size ratio was identified as the most important variable in the identification of the point when there will be no significant difference between the permeability of cover concrete over a bar and that remote from a bar: Aggregate size, bar location, method of compaction and cover thickness were also found to influence near-surface concrete permeability.