Title: The Galvanic Effect of the Anodic/ Cathodic Area Ratio on Reinforced Concrete with 304 Stainless Steel

Author(s): M. Córdova and P. Castro-Borges

Publication: Symposium Paper

Volume: 253

Issue:

Appears on pages(s): 383-392

Keywords: anodic/cathodic area; galvanic couple; repair; stainless steel

DOI: 10.14359/20186

Date: 7/31/2008

Abstract:
The galvanic couple effect decreases a few weeks after performing local repairs. Nonetheless, there is no information on the effect the anodic/cathodic area (aA/aC) ratio has on the magnitude of the galvanic couple. The selective use of stainless steel represents an alternative to repair of concrete structures, but it remains understudied, particularly in the tropical marine environments of the Gulf of Mexico. In this paper, we analyze and discuss the infl uence of the anodic/cathodic area ratio on the galvanic behavior of local repairs conducted on small beams made of low-quality concrete and 304 stainless steel (SS) bars. Results from this experiment indicate that an aA/aC ratio of more than 5 causes a signifi cant decrease in the galvanic couple of the adjacent areas.