Over the last 100 years, concrete has become one of the most widely used materials in construction. Reinforced concrete is inexpensive, requires no maintenance, has high structural strength, can be shaped in any form, and is fire-resistant.
Under normal circumstances, the steel reinforcement is encapsulated in an alkaline environment, preventing it from rusting. However, in various conditions where chlorides can penetrate the concrete, the environment becomes corrosive to the reinforcement. Such conditions occur, for example, in parking garages and tunnels where de-icing salt can cause corrosion on the ground surface, as well as on support posts and walls.
Using concrete in chloride-rich environments, such as quay walls and jetties in ports, inherently implies the application of cathodic protection. Other applications include bridges, concrete basins for wastewater, and pile foundations.
Corrosion in concrete structures occurs in several phases. In the first phase, discoloration and stains appear. Later, cracks appear on the surface. In the third phase, parts of the concrete surface begin to crumble.
Corrosion inspections are carried out both visually and with a hammer. The latter method indicates where hollow spaces are forming. A frequently applied method is to perform potential measurements (mapping), which indicates the zones with the highest degree of corrosion.
One of the most effective long-term solutions for reinforcement corrosion is cathodic protection.
Ask our engineering department to determine the best solution for your concrete structure. Based on this study, we will make you a competitive offer that meets your needs for a long-term corrosion solution.
