ACI 210R

Abstract

<b>INTRODUCTION</b> <br>Erosion is defined in this report as the progressive disintegration of a solid by cavitation, abrasion, or chemical action. This report is concerned with: 1) cavitation erosion resulting from the collapse of vapor bubbles formed by pressure changes within a high-velocity water flow; 2) abrasion erosion of concrete in hydraulic structures caused by water-transported silt, sand, gravel, ice, or debris; and 3) disintegration of the concrete in hydraulic structures by chemical attack. Other types of concrete deterioration are outside the scope of this report. <br>Ordinarily, concrete in properly designed, constructed, used, and maintained hydraulic structures will undergo years of erosion-free service. However, for a variety of reasons including inadequate design or construction, or operational and environmental changes, erosion does occur in hydraulic structures. This report deals with three major aspects of such concrete erosion: <br>Part 1 discusses the three major causes of concrete erosion in hydraulic structures: cavitation, abrasion, and chemical attack. <br>Part 2 discusses the options available to the designer and user to control concrete erosion in hydraulic structures. <br>Part 3 discusses the evaluation of erosion problems and provides information on repair techniques. Part 3 is not comprehensive, and is intended as a guide for the selection of a repair method and material.