Nondestructive Techniques to Investigate Corrosion Status in Concrete Structures.
Nondestructive Techniques to Investigate Corrosion
Status in Concrete Structures.
(1458 K)
Carino, N. J.
Journal of Performance of Constructed Facilities, Vol.
13, No. 3, 96-106, August 1999.
Keywords:
structures; concretes; corrosion; electrical
resistivity; steels
Abstract:
A critical step in selecting the most appropriate repair
strategy for a distressed concrete structure is to
determine the corrosion status of reinforcing bars.
Because of the complexity of the corrosion process, it
is prudent to involve personnel who are experienced in
the corrosion of steel in concrete. The corrosion
engineer may employ a variety of tools to help make an
assessment of the corrosion conditions. This paper
provides an overview of the corrosion of steel in
concrete and presents some nondestructive
electrochemical toois that are commonly used in
corrosion investigations. The objective is to provide
the repair specialist with basic information to allow
effective communication with the corrosion engineer.
Electrochemical principles involved in the corrosion of
steel in concrete are reviewed. Subsequently, the
half-cell potential method, the concrete resistivity
test, and the linear polarization method are discussed.
The principles of operation and the inherent limitations
of these methods are emphasized.
Building and Fire Research Laboratory
National Institute of Standards and Technology
Gaithersburg, MD 20899