Effects of alternating stray current on chloride transport in cement-based materials

Abstract

A series of tests were conducted to investigate the effects of alternating stray current on chloride transport in cement-based materials (mortar). The chloride distributions in the mortar after the conditioning of immersion in 35 g/L NaCl solution or coupled with direct/alternating stray current within 14 days were gained. Test results show that: (1) The distribution of chloride ions along the depth in mortar shows an exponential shape, after the conditioning of immersion in 35 g/L NaCl solution or coupled with direct or alternating stray current within 14 days; (2) Comparing with the immersion in the NaCl solution without stray current, the transport of chloride in the mortar under DC electric field is significantly accelerated. The maximum chloride content in the mortar under this environment was almost seven times higher than that in the condition without current; (3) The chloride contents at different depths of the mortar in the AC electric field are slightly less than those in the solution without electric field and are much less than that with direct stray current.