Abstract
This article shows the research carried out by the authors focused on how the shape of structural reinforced concrete elements treated with electrochemical chloride extraction can affect the efficiency of this process. Assuming the current use of different anode systems, the present study considers the comparison of results between conventional anodes based on Ti-RuO2 wire mesh and a cement-based anodic system such as a paste of graphite-cement. Reinforced concrete elements of a meter length were molded to serve as laboratory specimens, to closely represent authentic structural supports, with circular and rectangular sections. Results confirm almost equal performances for both types of anode systems when electrochemical chloride extraction is applied to isotropic structural elements. In the case of anisotropic ones, such as rectangular sections with no uniformly distributed rebar, differences in electrical flow density were detected during the treatment. Those differences were more extreme for Ti-RuO2 mesh anode system. This particular shape effect is evidenced by obtaining the efficiencies of electrochemical chloride extraction in different points of specimens.
Highlights
Electrochemical chloride extraction (ECE) is nowadays considered an appropriate technique as a means of extending the service life of reinforced concrete structures
The use in this research of specimens with a size close to natural scale allows determining the effect of electric flow density produced during ECE application to different shaped structural elements
The measurement of the resultant percentage of removed Cl− by the ECE action confirms the feasibility of achieving a similar ECE efficiency with a cement-based anode system such as graphite-cement paste (GCP) to that obtained with the conventional Ti-RuO2 mesh anode system, whatever shape and arrangement of reinforced concrete elements to be treated
Summary
Electrochemical chloride extraction (ECE) is nowadays considered an appropriate technique as a means of extending the service life of reinforced concrete structures This method allows reducing the corrosion rate of steel rebar caused by chloride ions (Cl−). The objective of the present study consists in the evaluation of the electric flow structure produced during ECE applications with different types of anode systems in a quantitative way. It was based on checking the different efficiencies of ECE among core samplings extracted from several points of the different shaped specimens after the application of this electrochemical process
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary 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 callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
