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How can we stop salt from corroding concrete structures?

Q: We are the manufacturer of table salt (sodium chloride) from raw salt collected from the evaporation pans and subsequently it is processed through water wash, decantation, centrifuged and then sieved through required size and packed with addition of iodine and sold in various pouches/bags. The handling of salt in wet areas has created havoc on the concrete structure and eaten away the rebars and also percolated through floors, beams and columns. May we ask you to suggest the best remedial measures like rehabilitation by either cathodic protection, inhibitor addition in cement mix, alkalization, chloride removal by electrochemical method etc.?

A: I am very sorry but concrete issues etc. are way outside my area of expertise. From the sound of the remediation methods you listed, you undoubtedly know more about this than I do! I suspect some combination of remediation methods may be in order for your situation and that some actual repair may be necessary as well. For new installations or repair work, use of coated metal reinforcement, corrosion resistant alloys, or replacement of metal reinforcement with nonmetallic products could be considered. Cement chemistry is also important. As you mentioned, various electrochemical techniques may be useful including cathodic protection, chloride extraction, and realkalization. Your problems sound complex enough that I would suggest contacting a consulting firm that specializes in this area for advice. Best of luck to you and I hope you find some answers.

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