Article of RILEM TC 313-MMS: Importance of moisture for corrosion-related concrete durability

Zhidong Zhang; Chunsheng Zhou; Natalia  Alderete; Ueli Angst; Tamara Janey Chidiac; Bingbing Guo; Liming Huang; Luka Malenica; Alexander Michel; Lars-Olof Nilsson; Christoph Strangfeld; Qingxiang Xiong; Qiang You; Zengfeng Zhao

doi:10.21809/rilemtechlett.2026.246

Article of RILEM TC 313-MMS: Importance of moisture for corrosion-related concrete durability

Authors

Zhidong Zhang ETH Zürich, Switzerland
Chunsheng Zhou Jinan University, China
Natalia Alderete Ghent University, Belgium
Ueli Angst ETH Zurich, Switzerland
Tamara Janey Chidiac Technical University of Darmstadt, Germany
Bingbing Guo Xi'an University of Architecture and Technology, China
Liming Huang Chalmers University of Technology, Sweden
Luka Malenica ETH Zürich, Switzerland
Alexander Michel Technical University of Denmark (DTU), Denmark
Lars-Olof Nilsson University of Lund, Sweden
Christoph Strangfeld Bundesanstalt für Materialforschung und -prüfung and Technische Universität Berlin, Hermann-Föttinger-Institut, Germany
Qingxiang Xiong Shanghai Jiao Tong University, China
Qiang You National University of Singapore, Singapore
Zengfeng Zhao Tongji University, China

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.21809/rilemtechlett.2026.246

Keywords:

Moisture, Concrete durability, Steel corrosion, Carbonation, Chloride ingress

Abstract

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 moisturerelated 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.

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Published

27.08.2026

How to Cite

(1)

Zhang, Z.; Zhou, C.; Alderete, N. .; Angst, U.; Janey Chidiac, T.; Guo, B.; Huang, L.; Malenica, L.; Michel, A.; Nilsson, L.-O.; Strangfeld, C.; Xiong, Q.; You, Q.; Zhao, Z. Article of RILEM TC 313-MMS: Importance of Moisture for Corrosion-Related Concrete Durability. RILEM Tech Lett 2026, 11, 117-129.

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Issue

Vol. 11 (2026)

Section

Articles

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Copyright (c) 2026 Zhidong Zhang, Chunsheng Zhou, Natalia Alderete, Ueli Angst, Tamara Janey Chidiac, Bingbing Guo, Liming Huang, Luka Malenica, Alexander Michel, Lars-Olof Nilsson, Christoph Strangfeld, Qingxiang Xiong, Qiang You, Zengfeng Zhao

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.

Authors retain copyright of the articles published in RILEM Technical Letters and grant the journal the right of first publication with open access. The work is simultaneously licensed under Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License (CC BY 4.0) that allows others to share and adapt the work under the following terms: 1) a proper attribution is given in a form of bibliographic record with the DOI link directing to RILEM Technical Letters; 2) a link to the license is provided; 3) the changes (if any) are indicated.