Title: Corrosion of Steel in Concrete in Relation to Bar Diameter and Cover Thickness

Author(s): R. Sri Ravindrarajah and K. C. G. Ong

Publication: Symposium Paper

Volume: 100

Issue:

Appears on pages(s): 1667-1678

Keywords: concrete durability; corrosion; cover; mortars (material); reinforcing steels; thickness; water-cement ratio; Design

DOI: 10.14359/3114

Date: 4/1/1987

Abstract:
One of the most common forms of deterioration of reinforced concrete structures is associated with the corrosion of reinforcement. The corrosion of the embedded steel bars is mainly due to the ingress of oxygen, water, carbon dioxide, chlorides, and other harmful salts towards the steel. The rate of corrosion depends on the quality of the cover concrete, cover thickness, and bar diameter. This paper discusses the results of an experimental investigation into the corrosion of steel bars in mortar with the use of an accelerated corrosion technique. It has been concluded that the cover/bar diameter ratio plays a significant role in determining the corrosion intensity of steel exposed to a given environment. In addition, an increase in the area of the exposed surface of the corrosion specimens directly decreases the corrosion resistance of steel in concrete.