Corrosion monitoring of reinforced concrete
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Date
1990
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Publisher
University of New Brunswick
Abstract
A major concern for all owners and contractors dealing with reinforced
concrete structures is corrosion. The University of New Brunswick's heating steam
is carried in a system of underground tunnels and the corrosion of the steel
reinforcing in the tunnel roof of the service tunnel was so severe that it had to be
replaced after approximately 25 years. Monitoring the condition of the tunnels is
part of the University's ongoing procedure for evaluating the condition of all the
facilities. Basing the evaluation of the condition of the tunnels on visual
appearance and physical measurements is not very effective. Measurement by half
cell potential and linear polarization was found to give a much better measure of
the condition of this type of structure. An approximation of the corrosion potential
and rate of corrosion can be determined for a reinforced concrete structure with
these techniques. To determine the nature of the corrosion process a scanning
electron microscope proved to be effective in examining both the microchemical
and microstructural features. It also allows evaluation of how effective the epoxy
coating is in reducing corrosion of the reinforcing bars and extending the life of the
structure.