Title: Influence of Fly Ash on the Resistivity and Rate of Corrosion of Reinforced Concrete

Author(s): J. G. Cabrera and P. Ghoddoussi

Publication: Symposium Paper

Volume: 145

Issue:

Appears on pages(s): 229-244

Keywords: concretes; corrosion resistance; deterioration; exposure; fly ash; permeability; porosity; reinforced concrete; reinforcing steels; Structural Research

DOI: 10.14359/4463

Date: 5/1/1994

Abstract:
Corrosion of reinforcing steel is a major cause of concrete deterioration and, consequently, of loss of serviceability of concrete structures. Presents the results of a laboratory investigation to assess the effects of fly ash on the resistivity and rate of corrosion of reinforcing steel in concrete. Environmental exposure conditions were simulated in the laboratory, and corrosion tests were carried out on specimens corroded naturally or under accelerated conditions. Results show that fly ash is a very effective addition to improve the resistivity of concrete and to reduce the rate of corrosion of reinforcing steel. The resistivity of fly ash concrete is approximately double that of the resistivity of an equivalent normal portland cement concrete. Results are used to propose a model relating resistivity, porosity, and permeability of concrete with the rate of corrosion of reinforcing steel.