Title:
Corrosion of Reinforcing Steel in Concrete: Effects of
Materials, Mix Composition, and Cracking
Author(s):
Tom Lorentz and Catherine French
Publication:
Materials Journal
Volume:
92
Issue:
2
Appears on pages(s):
181-190
Keywords:
air entrainment; coatings; corrosion; damage; epoxy resins;
reinforcing steels; silica fume.
DOI:
10.14359/9769
Date:
3/1/1995
Abstract:
This paper summarizes results from an experimental investigation regarding corrosion of reinforcing steel in concrete. Variables included: condensed silica fume (CSF) content, type and condition of reinforcement coating, effect of air entrainment, and effect of cracking. Test specimens were subjected to an accelerated corrosion-inducing environment for a period of 3.5 to 48 weeks. Comparisons of specimens with condensed silica fume (CSF) concentra-tion levels of 0, 7.5, or 10 percent indicated the existence of an optimum level of CSE after which corrosion resistance was not further enhanced. The epoxy-grit coating on undeformed reinforcement performed well in resisting the corrosive environment. Reinforcing steel with intentionally damaged epoxy coatings did not indicate significant levels of corrosion during the experimental period, despite high levels of chloride present in the concrete. No direct relationship between entrained air content and specimen current or resistance values was found. Cracking had a significant sect on corrosion of reinforcing steel in concrete.