Abstract Reinforcement corrosion in reinforced concrete structures significantly compromises the durability and safety of constructions, representing one of the primary challenges in civil engineering. This study qualitatively examines the sustainability profiles of emerging technologies used to address this issue, with an emphasis on environmental, social, and economic aspects. The adopted methodology involves a literature review and a comparative analysis of technological innovations aimed at corrosion mitigation, including self-healing concrete, nanotechnology, stainless steel reinforcements, corrosion-inhibiting additives, and galvanic monitoring sensors. The results indicate that no single solution can completely eliminate corrosion; rather, the most appropriate technology should be selected based on the specific requirements of each project. Self-healing concrete and nanomaterial-based concretes stand out for their ability to reduce maintenance needs and extend the service life of structures, offering long-term environmental and economic benefits. However, these technologies face limitations such as high implementation costs and, in the case of nanomaterials, the need for specialized equipment to ensure proper dispersion, in addition to social barriers related to limited familiarity and acceptance within the construction sector. Stainless steel reinforcements and corrosion-inhibiting additives exhibit higher social acceptance, as they preserve conventional construction methods while enhancing structural safety and durability. Additives are easy to apply and relatively low-cost, whereas stainless steel, although technically effective, involves high costs and adverse environmental impacts due to its manufacturing process. Galvanic sensors improve structural safety and prevent failures, yielding positive social and economic outcomes. Environmentally, their impact is moderate; they contribute to waste reduction by enabling preventive maintenance but do not directly optimize natural resource use. Nevertheless, they involve high initial costs and require technical training for effective operation. The implementation of these technologies can reduce environmental impacts and maintenance costs, promoting more durable and sustainable buildings, provided they are supported by regulatory frameworks and ongoing research.
Pereira et al. (Mon,) studied this question.