CORROSION OF STEEL IN CRACKED CONCRETE

Corrosion of steel in concrete is studied typically in uncracked concr ete. In the field, however, concrete often has cracks that extend to t he reinforcing steel. Electrochemical corrosion testing was performed on cracked concrete of two qualities. Results were compared to physica l examination of the embedded reinforcement. Corrosion resistance impr oved significantly as the concrete properties and reinforcement cover approached that recommended in American Concrete Institute 318. Calciu m nitrite additions to the concrete reduced corrosion significantly. R esults indicated testing in cracked concrete should be performed in co ncrete representative of that specified in ACl 318.