Low‑carbon concrete durability assessed via climate‑informed corrosion modelling
ETH Zurich researchers developed a model that uses detailed weather data to simulate moisture fluctuations in reinforced concrete and predict steel corrosion rates. The study shows that the same concrete can experience corrosion up to a hundred times faster in wet conditions and that climate patterns, rather than concrete mix composition, largely determine long‑term durability. Current European standards classify all tested sites similarly, potentially hindering the wider adoption of low‑carbon concrete.
ETH Zurich researchers developed a model that uses detailed weather data to simulate moisture fluctuations in reinforced concrete and predict steel corrosion rates. The study shows that the same concrete can experience corrosion up to a hundred times faster in wet conditions and that climate patterns, rather than concrete mix composition, largely determine long‑term durability. Current European standards classify all tested sites similarly, potentially hindering the wider adoption of low‑carbon concrete.
The approach enables Swiss engineers to evaluate low‑carbon concrete performance based on local climate, supporting more sustainable construction practices in Switzerland.
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