Preface Free

Corrosion impacts nearly every aspect of global infrastructure and metal-based assets, causing significant economic and environmental damage. It disrupts operations, leads to costly repairs and replacements, compromises public safety, and causes widespread damage. Growing concerns around the deterioration of critical infrastructure, such as towers and buildings, highlight the severe safety risks and financial burdens corrosion poses if not addressed promptly. Monitoring the health of civil infrastructure is vital to ensuring public safety, reducing financial losses, and supporting smart city initiatives. The study of corrosion in structures like buildings, towers, and highways is essential for safety, economic stability, environmental protection, innovation, and resource efficiency. Ensuring reliable, safe, and sustainable infrastructure contributes to the overall well-being of society.

The book is structured into five parts, each comprising multiple chapters, to provide a comprehensive exploration of fundamental aspects and case studies related to architectural corrosion and critical infrastructure. This organization offers readers a systematic, in-depth, and current reference on the topic.

The first part focuses on corrosion assessment and inspection, with Chapters 1 to 5 dedicated to understanding the chemistry of corrosion, common issues in infrastructure, and environmental factors affecting infrastructure corrosion. It also covers electrochemical corrosion monitoring, visual, surface, and non-destructive techniques, as well as computational approaches.

The second part addresses corrosion in building materials. Chapters 6 and 7 delve into the corrosion of steel, iron, concrete, and masonry.

The third part examines corrosion in various structures. Chapters 8 to 11 explore corrosion in residential buildings, architectural structures, communication towers, and transportation infrastructure.

The fourth part covers prevention and mitigation techniques. Chapters 12 to 16 focus on using corrosion inhibitors in concrete, protective coatings and surface treatments for long-term protection, proper building design techniques for corrosion resistance, cathodic protection systems, and smart corrosion inhibition techniques for civil and marine infrastructures.

The fifth part highlights innovations and future trends. Chapter 17 explores computer-based methods to measure infrastructure corrosion.

This book deals with a wide range of critical aspects of corrosion in architectural structures. It begins by exploring common corrosion challenges and examines the environmental, material, and maintenance factors that contribute to corrosion in buildings and towers. The book offers valuable insights into effective inspection methods, various types of corrosion affecting building materials, and practical strategies for mitigation and remediation. Additionally, it highlights emerging technologies, such as computer-based techniques, artificial intelligence, and machine learning, that provide innovative solutions for corrosion prevention and detection. Real-world case studies are included to illustrate successful corrosion management strategies in practice. Ultimately, the book serves as a comprehensive and future-oriented resource for professionals, researchers, and students, addressing the multifaceted challenges of corrosion in architectural structures and presenting the latest innovations and practical insights for ensuring longevity and safety.

Each chapter has been carefully edited by experienced academic experts. On behalf of the Royal Society of Chemistry (RSC), we extend our sincere gratitude to all the contributing authors for their exceptional and dedicated efforts. We also wish to express our deep appreciation to Dr Merlin Fox MRSC (Associate Publisher), Amina Headley (Editorial Assistant), and the RSC Editorial Team for their unwavering support throughout the project. Lastly, we thank the RSC for their significant role in making this book a reality.

Zhitao Yan

Professor,

School of Civil and Hydraulic Engineering, Chongqing University of Science and Technology, Chongqing, China

Ruby Aslam

Postdoctoral Fellow,

School of Civil and Hydraulic Engineering, Chongqing University of Science and Technology, Chongqing, China

Qihui Wang

Lecturer,

School of Civil and Hydraulic Engineering, Chongqing University of Science and Technology, Chongqing, China

Jeenat Aslam

Associate Professor,

Department of Chemistry, College of Science, Taibah University, Yanbu, Al-Madina, Saudi Arabia