Which outcome occurs when a reinforced concrete beam experiences chloride ion penetration beyond a threshold?

💡 Explanation

When chloride ions exceed a threshold adjacent to rebar, depassivation occurs because the protective oxide layer is disrupted, initiating an anode/cathode corrosion cell, causing rust formation which then expands and spalls the concrete. Therefore rebar corrosion and concrete spalling results, rather than ASR, sulfate attack, or carbonation which depend on different compounds.

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