Title: Assessment of Corrosion of the Reinforcement in Marine Concrete by Electrochemical and Other Methods

Author(s): J. V. Sharp, J. W. Figg, and M. B. Leeming

Publication: Symposium Paper

Volume: 109

Issue:

Appears on pages(s): 105-126

Keywords: concrete durability; corrosion; cracking (fracturing); electrical resistance; electric measuring instruments; marine atmospheres; nondestructive tests; offshore structures; reinforced concrete; sea water; reinforcing steels; Materials Research

DOI: 10.14359/1940

Date: 8/1/1988

Abstract:
Several projects in the "Concrete in the Oceans" program have measured electrical potentials and resistivities on reinforced concrete specimens exposed to a marine environment. A state of the art survey was also undertaken on corrosion monitoring techniques which led to experimental work to improve the use of these techniques, particularly on marine structures. The main conclusions from this test program are discussed. Two independent sets of electropotential and resistivity measurements taken on beam specimens exposed to a splash zone environment for periods up to five years have been compared with the actual corrosion found after the reinforcement was broken out of the specimens. The comparison of these two sets of data and the ability of these monitoring techniques to predict likely corrosion are discussed and related to the various parameters such as the disposition of the cracks, the depth of cover and the type of concrete. Based on the work described in this paper, the limitations of corrosion monitoring methods are also highlighted.