ACI concrete exposure and reinforcement cover in coastal environments 1

[engjg]

In dealing with a coastal structure, at what proximity to the shoreline to you start considering it having atmospheric exposure?

How about if your on an island but a 1-2 miles or two from the shoreline?

At what point are you C1 or C2 concrete exposure?

At what point do you need increased cover?

ACI 318 seems vague on this point.
ACI 357 doesn't define atmospheric exposure.
ACI 201.2 doesn't seem to help either.

 

[r13]

I think the linked blog will help, although your application is not under the sea water, but for an island surrounded by ocean, the protection requirement/plan should be similar. Link

 

[SlideRuleEra]

In dealing with a coastal structure, at what proximity to the shoreline to you start considering it having atmospheric exposure?

About 400 to 600 meters, see comments on this thread: Link

http://www.SlideRuleEra.net

 

[Agent666]

To add some credence to what SlideRuleEra has noted, in my own local standards 500m is taken as the division between 'Inland' & 'Coastal frontage/Coastal perimeter'. This is the division where more onerous than "normal" exposure classifications due to sea spray and airbourne salts kick in.

My understanding is you can always do site specific testing to see if you are within the limits ACI notes for salts, etc in water or soils.

 

[Settingsun]

They're vague because it depends on the degree of shelter/roughness of the sea and the prevailing winds. American C1 sounds similar to Australian B2 which is 1km minimum, increased for rough locations and strong prevailing wind. Still vague.

If the area is developed, an informal check on history of problems is your best bet without doing a detailed study.