Effects of NaNO3 and Na2CO3 on Corrosion Failure of Low Alloyed Steel Concrete Reinforcement

Abstract

Concrete structures such as bridges and buildings normally contain steel reinforcement. To forestall damage to concrete steel an investigation was conducted on steel used in concrete reinforcement. The general corrosion performance of the steel in a simulated laboratory environment containing various concentration of inhibited and activated solutions was evaluated by measuring electrochemical potential of steel samples in the media and by weight loss due to corrosive action on completely immersed specimens. Observations revealed that corrosion effect on the reinforcement even though negligible is enough to initiate a conclusion that both inhibitors and activators can contribute to failure of steel reinforcement in service. To be useful in reinforced concrete, corrosion-inhibiting admixture must not only control the corrosion, but must also be compatible with the concrete.