Title: Exposed Reinforcement: Assessment of Corrosion Activity (Title change)

Author(s): A. Di Maio; L. Eperjesi, L. Gassa; L. Traversa; and R. Zerbino

Publication: Concrete International

Volume: 22

Issue: 3

Appears on pages(s): 47-51

Keywords: reinforced concrete; coated reinforcing steel; coating failure; corrosion activity; corrosion potential; reinforcing steel; environmental conditions; cross section loss; tensile strength; concrete cover; exposed steel reinforcement

DOI:

Date: 3/1/2000

Abstract:
Studies carried out on a concrete structure to evaluate the degree of deterioration exhibited by reinforcement exposed to the environment for 15 years are reported. Such reinforcement had been protected by applying conventional paints. An inspection prior to restarting work gave warning of the presence of reinforcement corrosion. The experimental program includes in place assessment (visual inspection, carbonation depth, and corrosion potential) and laboratory testing (absorption, porosity, and chloride content of concrete, and composition and mechanical properties of the steel reinforcing bars). The pathologies are attributed to failure of the protective coating, especially at the concrete -to-air interface. Suggestions for the rehabilitation are also included.