Title: Application of Electrodeposition Technique for Concrete Rehabilitation

Author(s): J. S. Ryu, and N. Otsuki

Publication: Symposium Paper

Volume: 192

Issue:

Appears on pages(s): 917-930

Keywords: chemical tests; cracking (fracturing); reinforced concretes; resurfacing; static loads

DOI: 10.14359/5793

Date: 4/1/2000

Abstract:
Electrochemical techniques are increasingly popular as a means of rehabilitating deteriorated reinforced concrete. One such method is presented in this paper. The aim of electrode position in concrete rehabilitation method is to fill the cracks in concrete and to coat the concrete surface by electrodeposits of chemical compounds. Investigations on concrete beam specimens were conducted in this study. After causing the specimens to crack under a specified load, the specimens were immersed in a solution, then a constant current between the embedded steel in concrete and an electrode in the solution was applied for 8 weeks. The degree of crack closure and the amount of surface coating from the precipitation of electrodeposits were checked. The results indicate that electrodeposits formed on the concrete surface are able to close concrete cracks and to coat the concrete surface. In addition, the investigations show that the presence of electrodeposits led to a substantial decrease of concrete permeability and some improvement of the mechanical properties of the crack concrete. Therefore, it may be considered that the electrode position technique can be usefully applied as a rehabilitation method for cracked reinforced concrete structures.