Abstract
A number of techniques have been used to obtain information as to the corrosion condition of the embedded reinforcing steel. The most widely used techniques presently only provide information of possible corrosion hazards to the reinforcing steel; only few techniques are available which give data relating to the actual corrosion rate. In general, the latter techniques are based on the linear polarisation resistance measurement method (LPR), which has been the basis of electrochemical corrosion rate monitoring in many other environments. A variety of reference and auxiliary electrode arrangements have been tried by other workers, either embedded into the concrete or surface mounted.
The present paper describes field trials of a new type of surface mounting probe designed to operate reliably on dry concrete surfaces and overcoming many of the problems associated with previous designs. Although useable with most existing instrumentation, the probe has been employed as a part of an automated corrosion rate measuring system.
The present paper also describes a simple method of laboratory tests which gives information as to the amount of additional corrosion required to result in cracking and spalling of a given reinforced concrete structure. This makes it possible to use the corrosion rate information to estimate the life of the structure and to recommend whether or not remedial action or repairs need to be undertaken.
