Abstract
This paper deals with the determination of the corrosion current density in chloride-induced corrosion in reinforced concrete structures. Because the corrosion of steel bars is generally localized, calculations of the densities of corrosion current need to take the real surface areas of anodic zones into account. Nowadays, in the lab or on site, the calculation of densities of corrosion are based on arbitrary steel surface areas, which merge anodic and cathodic zones. As a result, the order of magnitude of corrosion current density is not correct; it is underestimated. A second aspect of the paper is the relationship between corrosion current density and the prediction of service life in RC structure when including a part of the propagation phase. The consequences of the corrosion current density on mechanical properties such as corrosion-induced cracking or load-bearing capacity must consider that anodic areas grow both laterally and in-depth.
Highlights
Prediction of service life of new structures will be including a part of the propagation phase
The author of this paper has studied and monitored the development of chloride‐induced corrosion of different set of reinforced concrete beams exposed to salt fog spraying during 28 years
In the view of service life evaluation of corroding concrete structures, it is important to consider that the propagation period of corrosion encompasses two stages: before and after corrosion‐induced cracking
Summary
The problem of corrosion of concrete reinforcement is a very important one, recently recalled and analyzed in its many aspects by Angst [1]. The pH of cementitious materials is fundamentally very high, and each corroding spot is surrounded by large cathodic areas, where oxygen is reduced and significant amounts of OH‐ (hydroxide) ions are generated and attracted to the adjacent anodic zone by the macrocell electric field, impeding large pH decrease. As a result, this macro‐cell process leads to more lateral growth of anodic spots, than in‐depth penetration [3]. These values are identical to those identified by Broomfield et al [5]
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
