The corrosion of reinforcement is the most principal damage that occurs with the structures. A way of analysis of the damage’s evolution - when these structures are under some conditions of exposition and use - is the case study. So, for a better understanding of the influencing factors that affect the corrosion of the reinforcement of a structure in a marine environment, case study was conducted a in the State of Pernambuco (Brazil). Some analysis was made, such as the measuring of the carbonation depth and of the penetration of the Cl- ions; a new procedure developed at the University of Brasília was applied to establish quantitative boundaries for analysis of the degree of deterioration in the structure.

The results showed that the carbonation depth in some elements of the structure was smaller than the concrete cover. However, the amount of Cl- ions in the elements was bigger than the maximum recommended rate (0,4% of the cement mass). And besides that, by using the new methodology, an analysis of the deterioration degree showed a need of immediate intervention to reestablish the condition of safety.

So this work made real the possibility of deducting the evolution of any kind of damage in a structure using simple procedures and a numeric analysis. It might contribute for the creation of preventive or corrective maintenance programs involving reinforced concrete structures.