Electrochemical Sensors for Monitoring the Corrosion Conditions of Reinforced Concrete Structures: A Review

Abstract

Several methods for corrosion monitoring of reinforced concrete structures (RCS) have been proposed in the last few decades. These systems may be used either in new, existing or repaired structures. The corrosion monitoring can be performed by different methodologies. These may or may not be destructive, use different degrees of complexity and cost, and provide information on the progression and kinetics of the corrosion phenomena. The destructive methods are limited to sampling. Therefore, these may not be representative of the whole structure, which is extremely important in RCS with large heterogeneities both in terms of materials used and in terms of the exposure environment. Within this context, non-destructive methods have been widely developed, which are intended to provide quick information about the entire structure. Ideally, these systems should be able to detect the corrosion state of the steel inside the concrete, the main causes of corrosion and the evolution of corrosion phenomena over time. This manuscript reviews and summarizes the actual state of the art and the main achievements in the field of electrochemical sensors based on non-destructive methods for corrosion monitoring of RCS in the last few years. The challenges and perspectives in this field will also be discussed.

Synthesis, Optical and Electrical Characterization of Amino-alcohol Based Sol-gel Hybrid Materials

“…The development of robust and accurate monitoring sensing systems is of extreme importance as they will allow the service life of concrete structures to increase and costs saved at the same time. The monitoring of concrete structures using functionalized optical fiber sensors (OFS) with sol-gel films revealed to be an interesting approach to increase its service life [ 54 ].…”

Development of a Novel Methodology to Assess the Corrosion Threshold in Concrete Based on Simultaneous Monitoring of pH and Free Chloride Concentration

“…Monitoring systems based on embedded sensors [ 11 ] are the basis for this early detection of corrosion. In the last years, such embeddable sensors have been developed and installed in concrete structures.…”

Sensors for Structural Health Monitoring of Agricultural Structures

“…For example, wood structures in farms are easily degraded by water [ 1 ] while UV radiation negatively affects polymer materials used in the construction of greenhouses. The scope of the review focuses on sensors for measuring chloride ingress [ 2 ], corrosion activity, carbonation, concrete (electrical) resistivity, permittivity, and stress/strain [ 3 ] and the following thematic areas: sensors for monitoring and health diagnosis of agricultural structures, sensors for concrete, steel, timber [ 4 ], electrochemical, fiber optic, wireless, ultrasonic, fiber Bragg grating sensors, self-sensing materials, the utility of sensors in facilitating the repair process, mitigation of failure, initiation of appropriate action, improving the durability and useful life, and the replacement of agricultural structures. The measurement of corrosion activity is critical in steel farm structures, given the higher susceptibility to redox reactions and gradual environmental degradation [ 5 , 6 ].…”