"**Concrete’s high alkalinity** (freshly poured material has a pH of about 12.5) **is an effective guard against the corrosion of the reinforcing steel**, but cracks and exfoliation expose the metal to corrosive disintegration." ([Location 2001](https://readwise.io/to_kindle?action=open&asin=B08SGC3TD3&location=2001)) --- **Tags** -- [[quotes]], [[concrete]], [[steel]], **Source** -- [[202412030828 - B - How the World Really Works]]