The Effects of Seawater on the Durability of Hydrotechnical (Concrete) Structures in the Port of Klaipeda / Juros Vandens Poveikis Klaipedos Uosto Hidrotechniniu Statiniu (betono) Ilgaamžiškumui

Seawater has a significant impact on hydrotechnical concrete structures in the Port of Klaipeda. This factor must be properly examined and evaluated designing reinforced concrete structures exploited in seawater. The basic aim of research is to assess the effects of seawater on concrete and to form an algorithm for studying the durability of hydrotechnical structures affected by seawater. The conducted investigation showed the impact of seawater on hydraulic engineering (concrete) structures. Serious defects are caused by corrosion in hydrotechnical concrete. The key factors indicating the durability index of hydrotechnical concrete include damage to the concrete due to environmental, mechanical and physical-chemical effects. Physical-chemical environmental effects occur due to changes in temperature, the speed of the wind and fluctuations in the sea-level. Multiple environmental impacts can simultaneously affect hydrotechnical concrete. Mechanical external effects occur due to constant stevedoring works and vessels moored at the Port of Klaipeda.