Reinforcement steel corrosion in concrete is a silent but destructive threat to our infrastructure. Bridges, buildings, nuclear power plants, or water reservoirs—no structure is immune to this natural phenomenon, which leads to excessive costs and major safety risks.

A recent study by STRRES (Structures et Réhabilitation des Structures) revealed that the cost of inaction is nine times higher than that of maintenance work. This alarming data highlights the importance of a proactive approach to infrastructure monitoring and upkeep. Additionally, in France alone, 40,000 bridges pose safety concerns, representing one in eight of the 200,000 existing structures. Given these figures, taking action before corrosion leads to costly repairs is essential.

The Tuutti Diagram: A Key Model for Understanding Corrosion

The Tuutti diagram models the progression of reinforcement steel corrosion in four key phases:

1. Incubation Phase: This period, which can last for decades, sees the steel protected by the passivation layer formed by the concrete. However, aggressive agents such as chlorides and CO₂ gradually penetrate towards the reinforcement.

2. Initiation Phase: These aggressive agents destroy localized areas of the passivation layer, exposing the steel and initiating the corrosion process.

3. Propagation Phase: Once corrosion starts, it accelerates. The first cracks appear, but structural integrity is not yet compromised.

4. Degradation Phase: Corrosion continues to expand, initially causing cosmetic damage before evolving into structural deterioration. The concrete starts to spall, the steel reinforcement cross-section decreases, and the mechanical properties of the structure are compromised.

🔎 The key takeaway? Intervening before the structure enters the propagation phase is critical. Once this phase is reached, repair costs skyrocket, and structural risks increase dramatically.

Why Prioritize Corrosion Diagnosis?

1. Reduce Maintenance Costs

   • According to the STRRES study, every euro invested in maintenance saves nine euros in heavy repairs. Early diagnosis enables cost-effective preventive measures rather than waiting for expensive remediation efforts.

2. Prevent Operational Disruptions

   • Unexpected closures of bridges, tunnels, parking structures, and hydraulic works result in massive indirect costs and logistical challenges.

3. Extend the Service Life of Structures

   • Proactive, data-driven maintenance strategies help prevent premature reconstruction and maximize infrastructure lifespan.

4. Ensure Public Safety

   • The collapse of the Morandi Bridge in Genoa (2018) highlighted the critical role of corrosion in structural failures. Anticipating corrosion risks is key to avoiding such disasters.

Advanced Corrosion Diagnosis Techniques

Today, multiple techniques allow early detection of corrosion before irreversible damage occurs:

✔ Electrochemical potential measurements to assess reinforcement condition.

✔ Chloride content analysis in concrete.

✔ Infrared thermography to detect active corrosion zones.

✔ Carbonation depth assessment using colorimetric indicators.

At BlueSpine, we use corrosion diagnosis results to provide tailor-made, high-performance protection solutions. With our custom-designed cathodic protection systems, structures can extend their service life by over 50 years.

Conclusion: A Smart and Strategic Investment

Waiting for visible signs of corrosion is already too late! Preventive diagnosis optimizes maintenance budgets, prevents costly interventions, and ensures infrastructure safety.

🚀 Protégez vos ouvrages dès aujourd’hui !Ne laissez pas la corrosion fragiliser vos infrastructures. Prenez les devants pour définir la solution de protection qui convient à votre ouvrage.

🚀 Protect your structures today! Don’t let corrosion weaken your infrastructure. Take control now with an expert diagnosis and a customized protection strategy.

💡 BlueSpine also supports professionals by offering dedicated training on corrosion diagnosis and tailored protection solutions.

📩 Let’s discuss your project today! Contact us for personalized support and a free evaluation of your structure.

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