Electrochemical Measurements in Cement Extract Solutions on Reinforcing Steel, Previously Conditioned in Concrete

Abstract

The corrosion behavior of reinforcing steel, previously embedded in concrete and maintained in conditions of corrosion and two regimes (conventional and pulse) of cathodic protection (CP), was characterized using electrochemical measurements in cement extract (CE) solutions of pH 12.6. The investigation aimed at determination of the properties of the product layers, previously formed on the steel surface. The study further allowed evaluation of the CP effectiveness in terms of steel surface oxidation/reduction behavior in the alkaline medium of CE. Based on the similar electrochemical behavior of protected specimens, it can be concluded that the pulse CP is as effective as the conventional CP regime. Moreover, the surface film, formed in pulse CP conditions appears to be more homogeneous and resistive, compared to the conventional CP regime.