Corrosion Control for Reinforced Concrete

• Main Author: Torigoe,R M
• Format: Report
• Language: English
• Subjects: Carbon steels; Cathodic protection; Ceramics, Refractories and Glass; Construction materials; Corrosion; Corrosion inhibition; Cracks; Electrochemistry; Environmental impact; Epoxy coatings; Failure(Mechanics); Mechanics; Naval shore facilities; Properties of Metals and Alloys; Reinforced concrete; Tensile strength; Thermodynamics; Zinc

The National Bureau of Standards has recorded that in 1975 the national cost of corrosion was estimated at $70 billion. Approximately 40 percent of that total was attributed to the corrosion of steel reinforcements in concrete. Though concrete is generally perceived as a permanent construction material, cracking and spalling can occur when corrosion of steel reinforcements progresses to an advanced stage. This problem frequently occurs in reinforced concrete highway bridge decks, wharves, piers, and other structures in marine and snowbelt environments. Since concrete was a very low tensile strength, steel reinforcements are added to carry the tensile load of the composite member. Corrosion reduces the effective diameter of the reinforcements and, therefore, decreases the load carrying capability of the member. Though the corrosion process may occur in various forms and may be caused by different sources, the ultimate result is still the failure of the reinforced concrete.