Abstract
Galvanic corrosion is a potentially major concern associated with the application of stainless steel reinforcement which is in direct (electrical) contact with carbon steel reinforcement in concrete structures. Judicious use of stainless steel rebar in both new construction and rehabilitation of older structures is a viable, cost effective option for extending service life and reducing maintenance costs. Questions, however, have arisen about the possibility of increased corrosion due to galvanic effects. This paper investigates the galvanic coupling behaviours of three different types of stainless steel and carbon steel. Tests were performed both in electrochemical cells and with specimens in concrete inside an environmental chamber. The results show that oxygen reduction on stainless steel is the rate determining factor for galvanic coupling of these two metals. It is much lower than that of passive carbon steel. As a result, the galvanic coupling of stainless steel with carbon steel will not increase the risk of corrosion of carbon steel reinforcement.
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
