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Abstract : |
Chloride-induced corrosion of reinforcing steel is a major cause of deterioration of concrete structures in the eastern province of Saudi Arabia. Two ways of preventing or retarding corrosion of reinforcing steel bars in concrete are by using inhibitors in a concrete mix, and coatings on the rebar or on the external surface of concrete structures. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of two inhibitors, three concrete coatings, and two barrier coatings on corrosion of reinforcing steel bars. Reinforced concrete specimens were monitored by alternating current and direct current electrochemical techniques while undergoing free and accelerated corrosion. Accelerated corrosion tests were performed under 4 V impressed anodic potential. Corrosion of the steel bars were evaluated by measuring anodic current, time to cracking of concrete specimens, and corrosion rates of the steel bars. The results showed that the specimens with the concrete surface coatings did not perform better than the control specimens. Time to cracking was shorter and the corrosion rate of the steel bars was higher in specimens coated with concrete coatings. The inhibitors and rebar surface coatings reduced the corrosion rate of the steel bars significantly and improved the time to cracking of the specimens in comparison to control specimens., |
