Article of RILEM TC 313-MMS: Importance of moisture for corrosion-related concrete durability
Review article, 2026
The durability of steel-reinforced concrete is significantly influenced by moisture, which governs the transport of aggressive agents, and the initiation and propagation of reinforcing steel corrosion. Both carbonation- and chloride-induced corrosion are largely related to water penetration, with corrosion rates increasing significantly upon the arrival of waterfront to the steel surface. As the construction sector transitions toward low-carbon binders and concrete with reduced carbonation resistance, understanding internal moisture state and its transport is essential to ensuring concrete durability. This letter critically reviews the multifunctional role of moisture in corrosion-related durability, encompassing carbonation, chloride ingress, and steel corrosion. Key moisture-related mechanisms at the steel-concrete interface (SCI), differences between carbonation- and chloride-driven corrosion, and limitations in current moisture characterization methods - both experimental and modeling - are discussed. The letter concludes by outlining research needs and opportunities.
Chloride ingress
Steel corrosion
Moisture
Carbonation
Concrete durability
Author
Zhidong Zhang
Swiss Federal Institute of Technology in Zürich (ETH)
Chunsheng Zhou
Jinan University
Natalia Alderete
Ghent university
Ueli M. Angst
Swiss Federal Institute of Technology in Zürich (ETH)
Tamara Janey Chidiac
Technische Universität Darmstadt
Bingbing Guo
Xi'an University of Architecture and Technology
Liming Huang
Chalmers, Architecture and Civil Engineering, Building Technology
Luka Malenica
Swiss Federal Institute of Technology in Zürich (ETH)
Alexander Michel
Technical University of Denmark (DTU)
Lars Olof Nilsson
Lund University
Christoph Strangfeld
Federal Institute for Materials Research and Testing
Technische Universität Berlin
Qing Xiang Xiong
Shanghai Jiao Tong University
Qiang You
National University of Singapore (NUS)
Zengfeng Zhao
Tongji University
RILEM Technical Letters
25180231 (eISSN)
Vol. 11 117-129Unraveling carbonation mechanism for enhancing carbon storage through mineralization
Swedish Research Council (VR) (2024-00569), 2024-09-01 -- 2026-09-01.
Subject Categories (SSIF 2025)
Building Technologies
Surface- and Corrosion Engineering
DOI
10.21809/rilemtechlett.2026.246