Reinforced concrete structures may prove to be very durable; however, their gradual degradation over time impairing both serviceability and structural safety is still a matter of great practical concern in view of the economical consequences with regards to assessment, maintenance and repair. Corrosion of embedded steel reinforcement is considered to be the most detrimental process responsible for structural deterioration. Numerous research works are in progress to develop a comprehensive engineering approach for assessment of both the initiation and the propagation period of corrosion.

Modelling of chloride penetration and carbonation has attracted a great deal of attention in recent years; however, essential aspects such as the chloride threshold still remain controversial. Corrosion leads to several undesirable effects, for example, cracking and spalling of the concrete cover, loss of steel/concrete bond and reduction of the load-bearing capacity of the structure. So far, most of the structural consequences of reinforcement corrosion have been scarcely treated in a rigorous manner. Therefore, modelling of the overall structural performance after corrosion initiation is an important aspect to be considered by the RILEM Technical Committee - Model Assisted Integral Service Life Prediction of Concrete Structures with respect to Reinforcement Corrosion (TC-MAI).