Re-Building a Resilient Concrete Infrastructure: Averting Concrete Corrosion

On February 26, 2025, the residents of Dockside Condominiums in Charleston, S.C. were given a mandatory evacuation notice and just 48 hours to get out of their building. Engineering inspections had indicated that the building may be structurally unsafe. For many, this will bring to mind the tragic partial collapse of Champlain Towers South, a 12-story condominium in Surfside, Fla., in June 2021, which killed 98 people and injured 11. June 2025 marks the fourth anniversary of the devastating loss that rocked the architecture, construction, and engineering industry to its core.

The Surfside incident brought light to the growing concern for durable infrastructure and serves as a stark reminder of the importance of investing in robust and long-lasting structures, especially in areas prone to harsh environmental conditions like coastal Florida. There were many factors that contributed to the Surfside collapse, but corrosion of the concrete’s reinforcing steel is one of the easiest to identify. Fortunately, concrete corrosion is a preventable issue that can be mitigated with the right technologies and materials.

PRAs are the Backbone of Resilient Infrastructure

When properly treated and protected, concrete structures can be resilient for decades, even in the harshest conditions. Permeability-reducing admixtures  have proven to be a vital defense against corrosion and water infiltration.

Behind water, the second most consumed product in the world is concrete. Undeniably one of the most durable materials available, it is essential in the construction of infrastructure such as roads, bridges, seawalls, and buildings. However, even concrete, the go-to material for large-scale infrastructure, is not impervious to the elements. Over time, exposure to water, particularly from seawater and storms, can significantly degrade the concrete’s structural integrity.

Corrosion of reinforcing steel within concrete is one of the primary threats to concrete durability. When water leaks into concrete, it accelerates the corrosion of the steel inside. When steel corrodes, it expands—creating cracks in the concrete cover. These cracks provide an even easier path for water and salts, leading to an ever-accelerating deterioration of the structure. This is a common problem for coastal areas, where high moisture levels and salty seawater speed up the process.

But there’s good news. When properly treated and protected, concrete structures can be resilient for decades, even in the harshest conditions. Permeability-reducing admixtures (PRAs) have proven to be a vital defense against corrosion and water infiltration. By using PRAs as an integral part of the concrete mix, builders can ensure that the material becomes inherently waterproof, providing long-term protection for the concrete and its reinforcing steel.

These admixtures react to form crystals that grow to fill the capillary pores of concrete and block water penetration. If small cracks form in the concrete, the admixture will react to new water penetration to form more crystals that will “self-seal” these new cracks. Concrete treated in this way can resist extreme hydrostatic pressure. The first crystalline waterproofing admixture was invented in 1980 by Kryton International Inc. of Vancouver, Canada, but it only has become widely used worldwide in the past 30 years.

The Importance of Resilient Infrastructure in Disaster-Prone Areas

Incorporating permeability-reducing admixtures into the concrete mixing stage will ensure that structures can withstand the forces of nature for decades to come.

While hurricanes and high winds are most common during Florida’s hurricane season, storm surge flooding is a common byproduct of winter Nor’easters, making local structures vulnerable to concrete corrosion all year long.

When storm surge flooding creeps into buildings, roads, and other structures, it creates long-term exposure to saltwater, which exacerbates the deterioration of concrete.

Most structures are not designed with seawater exposure in mind, and over time, this oversight can lead to devastating consequences, particularly for older buildings. PRAs provide a reliable and effective solution to protect concrete from the damaging effects of seawater, making it an essential tool for coastal construction. This protection extends not only to residential and commercial buildings but also to vital infrastructure such as seawalls, flood walls, and flood mitigation channels, all of which are crucial for reducing the impact of storm surges.

As we look to the future, many governments and municipalities are already committing billions of dollars to infrastructure projects aimed at mitigating the effects of rising sea levels and frequent storms. Incorporating PRAs into the concrete mixing stage will ensure that structures can withstand the forces of nature for decades to come.

Broadening the Scope: Defending Against Disaster

While PRAs are a powerful solution for protecting concrete in flood-prone areas, their application extends far beyond coastal regions. As climate change increases the frequency and severity of natural disasters, concrete structures can play a key role in protecting communities from a wide range of environmental threats.

• Wildfires: Concrete is a non-combustible material, making it a critical component in constructing fire-resistant buildings and infrastructure. In areas prone to wildfires, such as Southern California, concrete buildings and walls can significantly reduce the spread of fire and provide safe refuge during an emergency.
• Tornadoes: In regions affected by tornadoes, reinforced concrete shelters provide safety and peace of mind to communities in high-risk areas.
• Landslides: Concrete retaining walls help stabilize the ground and prevent damage to surrounding properties, roads, and infrastructure. Concrete’s strength and durability make it an ideal material for these critical defense structures, particularly in regions affected by heavy rainfall, floods, and earthquakes.

As natural disasters increase, a resilient infrastructure will likely be more important than ever. Facing mounting economic and regulatory pressures, the construction industry also can reduce insurance liability and environmental impact with such protections against corrosion and water infiltration. The Surfside collapse resulted in a $1.2 billion settlement, highlighting the critical importance of reducing risk and liability in construction. Admixture and additives will play a vital role in addressing these concerns. By focusing on long-term durability and safety, decision-makers can better mitigate potential safety hazards and costly damages, ultimately contributing to safer and more reliable structures.

It is clear that proactive investment in durable, well-protected infrastructure is not just an option—it’s a necessity. With the Surfside tragedy serving as a cautionary tale, builders would be wise to consider using durable materials technology, such as PRAs, in new projects. Quality materials must of course be combined with proper design and good workmanship. By prioritizing the strength and protection of concrete, concrete contractors can help prevent future disasters, safeguard lives, and build a resilient foundation for generations to come.