Title: Influence of Sea Water on Corrosion of Reinforcement

Author(s): R. Shalon and M. Rapheal

Publication: Journal Proceedings

Volume: 55

Issue: 6

Appears on pages(s): 1251-1268

Keywords: no keywords

DOI: 10.14359/11419

Date: 6/1/1959

Abstract:
Over 400 reinforced mortar prisms mixed with water from the Mediterranean Sea were tested for corrosion of reinforcement at ages ranging from 3 months to 4 years. Variables studied were water-cement ratio, cement content, and storage conditions. The pH necessary for inhibition of corrosion by hydroxyl ions under different storage conditions was determined, and pH values of mortars and cement pastes made with sea water and fresh water were measured. The reinforcement was corroded in all specimens stored in moist air, but for mortar prisms stored in sea water or tap water practically no corrosion of reinforcement was observed. No regular relationship between consistency or cement content on the one hand and amounts of rust on the other was found. Corrosion did not halt but, with one exception, was still increasing as the study ended. Conclusion is drawn that sea water used for mixing mortar or concrete for air-exposed reinforced structures tends to make reinforcement highly vulnerable to corrosion.