Corrosion of Steel in Concrete & Assessment Techniques, Sergi
Concrete is a porous material whose pores contain an electrolyte made up primarily of sodium and potassium hydroxides. Steel reinforcement is normally protected in such an electrolyte owing to the formation of a dense and uniform passive oxide film. Carbonation of the concrete (neutralisation of the alkali constituents by CO2 gas from the atmosphere), or infestation of the concrete with salt from seawater or from deicing agents leads to the breakdown of the protective oxide film and to corrosion of the steel. Corrosion of steel in concrete is an electrochemical process whereby anodic and cathodic reactions occur simultaneously on the surface of the steel resulting in the dissolution of the metal at the anodic sites. (read more)
Electrochemical Chloride Extraction
Innovative Corrosion Mitigation Solutions for Existing Concrete Structures, Ball & Whitmore
Reinforced concrete has developed a strong reputation as a versatile, durable and economical building material. However, when concrete is subjected to aggressive environmental conditions, repair and maintenance is required over time to keep the structure in a serviceable and safe condition. I
n recent years, the range of corrosion mitigation systems provides engineers and owners with more options to mitigate corrosion and extend the service life of existing structures. Various types of electrochemical corrosion mitigation systems (including electrochemical treatments, impressed current cathodic protection, and galvanic protection) and an overview of the various levels of protection offered by electrochemical corrosion mitigation technologies (corrosion prevention, corrosion control, cathodic protection and corrosion passivation) is presented.
Project reviews detail the application of certain specialised technologies including electrochemical treatments (re-alkalisation and chloride extraction), targeted corrosion control with embedded galvanic anodes, and galvanic cathodic protection using embedded strip anodes and humectant-activated zinc metalising. (read more)
