Title: Corrosion of Prestressed Wire in Concrete

Author(s): G. E. Monfore and G. J. Verbeck

Publication: Journal Proceedings

Volume: 57

Issue: 11

Appears on pages(s): 491-516

Keywords: none

DOI: 10.14359/8032

Date: 11/1/1960

Abstract:
After a brief review of the various types of corrosion, the few corrosion failures which have occurred in pre-stressed wire in concrete are discussed. The failure in the Regina, Sask., Canada, water supply line is examined in detail. A summary of the laboratory investigations of corrosion of prestressed wire in concrete that have been reported in the literature is followed by an account of the studies carried out in the laboratories of the Portland Cement Association. These latter studies included tests of the effects on corrosion of such factors as type of cement, type of wire, wire stress, addition of calcium chloride, cur-in conditions, storage conditions, and voids in the concrete a 8 jacent to the wires. Many of the tests were evaluated by determination of the reduction in tensile strength of the wires. Field and laboratory observations indicate clearly that calcium chloride in concrete may lead to serious cor-rosion of prestressing steel. Because of this hazard, it is recommended that calcium chloride not be used in prestressed concrete.