Title: Performance of Corrosion Protection Systems for Reinforced Concrete Exposed to Marine Conditions of the United Arab Emirates

Author(s): Adnan Sharafi, Abdulghafoor QasimiI, and S. M. K. Chetty

Publication: Symposium Paper

Volume: 163

Issue:

Appears on pages(s): 355-382

Keywords: accelerated tests; chlorides; coatings; corrosion; durability; exposure; porosity; reinforcing steels; sealers; Materials Research

DOI: 10.14359/1366

Date: 8/1/1996

Abstract:
Long-term research studies on the effectiveness of corrosion protection systems for reinforced concrete exposed to aggressive environmental conditions of the United Arab Emirates have been in progress at the exposure site adjacent to Dubai Creek since December 1991. These studies cover reinforcing bar coating systems and different products comprising pore blocking admixtures and a penetrating surface sealer. The parameters included in the studies are two water-cement ratios of 0.44 and 0.6, two types of curing regimes (laboratory conditions and actual construction practices), two concrete reinforcing bar covers (10 mm and 30 mm), and three site exposure conditions above ground, below ground, and in the tidal zone). The effectiveness is assessed through accelerated laboratory tests and site exposure tests. The tests performed at different ages include compressive strength, water absorption, water penetration, capillary rise and chloride ingress, crack appling, and measurements. Also conducted were electrochemical testing comprising half-cell potential, resistivity, linear polarization, corrosion current, and AC impedance. One-year and two-year results have been previously published; the present paper updates the findings, emphasizing the electrochemical testing results. The results to date show that the performance of the epoxy coated reinforcing bar is encouraging, while the performance of the most of the products studied is not satisfactory.