Title: Experimental Research on Corrosion of Reinforcement in Concrete through Cathode-to-Anode Area Ratio

Author(s): Xiaobing Song and Xila Liu

Publication: Materials Journal

Volume: 97

Issue: 2

Appears on pages(s): 148-155

Keywords: cathode-to-anode area ratio; concretes; corrosion; reinforcement.

DOI: 10.14359/817

Date: 3/1/2000

Abstract:
Laboratory experiments were conducted to establish the quantitative relation between the cathode-to-anode area ratio and the degree of pore saturation (PS) in carbonated mortars. It is confirmed that a close link exists between the cathode-to-anode area ratio and the degree of PS. The influence of resistivity of mortar (concrete) is also studied. It is demonstrated that the resistance control to corrosion process is incorrect under the condition of the present experiment. It is proposed that the supplemental of oxygen influences the probabilities of a certain unit metallic surface area serving as cathodic or anodic area, and hence determines the cathode-to-anode area ratio. It is also proposed that when connecting bimetallic couples, there exists galvanic current, but anodic polarization may not necessarily take place.