CORROSION OF INFRASTRUCTURE WITHIN MADINAT YANBU AL-SINAIYAH, SAUDI ARABIA

摘要

Construction of Sister cities of Madinat Al-Jubail Al-Sinaiyah in eastern Saudi Arabia and Madinat Yanbu Al-Sinaiyah (MYAS) in western Saudi Arabia began in the mid-1970's to promote industrial development and diversification of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. MYAS resides on the Red Sea approximately 350 km north of Jeddah. The environmental conditions in the Middle East are considered the most aggressive in the world. During summer months, temperatures in MYAS frequently exceed 40 deg C, with temperature variations of as much as 20 deg C per day. Relative humidity variations of 40 to 100 percent over a 24-hour period are not uncommon. Residing on coastal flats of the Red Sea, MYAS has a relatively high groundwater table, close to the ground surface. The soils of the region are laden with salt, exposing concrete structures to wet high-chloride environments. Premature deterioration of concrete structures has been experienced due to chloride-induced corrosion of reinforcing steel. Repairs of deteriorating concrete have been ongoing. Case histories of deteriorating structures are presented to characterize degradation mechanisms as well as repair methodologies.