Microcell and macrocell corrosion of steel bars in reinforced concrete slabs under different corrosive environments and cathode/anode configurations

Abstract

This paper presents an experimental study and electrochemical mechanisms of microcell and macrocell corrosion kinetics of steel bars in reinforced concrete slabs subjected to three different corrosive environments and three configurations of uncorroded/corroded steel bars. Effects of combined chloride contamination and carbonation were investigated and compared to individual causes either from chloride contamination or carbonation. Under each corrosive environment, two cathode/anode area ratios, as well as steel bars-contact and -noncontact conditions, were tested. As a result, the combined chloride contamination and carbonation induced larger microcell and macrocell corrosion rates than those attacked by solely chloride or solely carbonation. Although a larger cathode/anode ratio increased macrocell current density, it actually decreased microcell rate compared to a smaller ratio. In addition, when corroded steel bars were in contact, microcell and macrocell current densities became larger than those in noncontact samples for all three corrosive environments. Based on the test results, electrochemical mechanisms of both microcell and macrocell corrosion were proposed using thermodynamic theory, anodic and cathodic polarisation kinetics to draw precious insights into the corrosion behaviour under different corrosive environments and cathode/anode ratios.