This study addresses the resistance to chloride ion penetration in the prestressed concrete large diameter cylinder piles exposed to the severe marine splash/tidal zone. Time to initiation of corrosion was predicted by using the Fick's 2nd law for chloride penetration. The effects of water to binder ratio (w/b), mineral admixtures, and cover thickness were evaluated by the comparative studies, based on one-dimensional direct calculation, two-dimensional analysis using a computer software application, and case studies. The influences of environmental characteristics, manufacturing process, and local experiences were taken into account. The findings include i) tile remarkable durability enhancement for the utilization of low w/b high strength concrete mixture, compared with the increase of cover thickness, ii) the ineffectiveness of fly ash inclusion; and iii) the importance of selection of manufacturing process, structural design, and construction procedure.
Keywords: Chloride Penetration, Cylinder Piles, Prestressed Concrete, Durability, Fly Ash