Corrosion of reinforcing steel in concrete and its prevention by cathodic protection

Abstract

Evidence of corrosion of reinforncing steel in concrete has become a familiar sight on United States highways and parking structures. Decks and substructures expected to provide maintenance‐free service for 40 years often require major repair within 5 to 10 years, and frequently have to be replaced after only 15 years of service. At first, poor construction practice and excessive loading were the primary factors blamed by most highway engineers. However, a geographical distribution of the problem pointed to a relationship with salt used to melt snow and ice, or present in seawater and salt spray. Only recently, as research has continued and as field evaluation tools were developed, has corrosion of reinforcing steel been understood as the major cause of this problem.

Citation

Bennett, J. (1986), "Corrosion of reinforcing steel in concrete and its prevention by cathodic protection", Anti-Corrosion Methods and Materials, Vol. 33 No. 11, pp. 12-17. https://doi.org/10.1108/eb020493