The use of non-destructive method to evaluate the process of electrochemical corrosion of reinforcement in concrete

The article describes non-destructive electrochemical method that assesses the severity of corrosion of reinforcement in concrete and presents experimental studies carried out in application of this method. The study was conducted on two types of concrete specimens of differing type cement: CEM I and CEM IIIA. The specimens tests were subjected to cycles of freezing and thawing process in a solution of NaCl. Then on the specimens the measurements were carried out, which allowed for the observation of degradation and the development of concrete cover of reinforcing steel corrosion. The measurements were performed with using a test apparatus by which it was possible to determine the existence of corrosion and its severity using three independent parameters: fixed potential and its gradient, the resistivity of concrete cover and densities of the corrosion current. The results obtained enabled the analysis of corrosion occurring in the specimen of reinforced concrete as well as to assess the effectiveness of the apparatus used for the measurement.