Which structural consequence occurs when chloride ions penetrate concrete and reach the embedded rebar?

💡 Explanation

When chloride ions reach the rebar, they disrupt the passive layer on the steel surface, enabling electrochemical corrosion because chloride acts as a catalyst for oxidation, resulting in rust expansion that causes concrete cracking. Therefore accelerated spalling and corrosion occur, rather than compressive strength increase, thermal expansion change, or bond strength enhancement, which require different chemical/mechanical conditions.

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