A corrosion potential mapping and a chloride content survey were done in two public buildings in the port of Progreso, Yucatan, Mexico, in order to detect the chloride penetration mechanisms that could be related to the observed corrosion processes. The Center for Marine Technical Studies (CETMAR) and High School # 6 (ES6) are schools constructed at the seashore and at 800 m. from the shoreline, respectively. The preliminary inspection evaluated the direction in which the aggressive agents are acting, the topography of the land and the damaged zones. A detailed inspection of the schools showed that chloride penetration from the soil and roof to the middle of the columns is the mechanism related to the observed corrosion deterioration, A relation between corrosion potentials and the levels of chloride concentrations in the rcbar vicinity was also observed with some limitations that are discussed. The results indicated that, in front of the sea, the chlorides that penetrate the concrete axially from the foundation, are more related to the observed corrosion process than those that penetrate it from the surface. At 800 m. from the shoreline it happens the other way.
Keywords: chlorides, chloride penetration, infrastructure, rebars, concrete columns, preliminary inspection. detailed inspection, potential mapping