SEMI & NON-DESTRUCTIVE TESTING FOR REINFORCED CONCRETE / STEEL STRUCTURES Reinforcement Corrosion Level Test
In assessing the durability of reinforced concrete members where reinforcement corrosion is suspected, half-cell potential tests can be carried out. Location of areas of high reinforcement corrosion risk in marine structures, bridge decks and abutments. Used in conjunction with other tests, it has been found helpful when investigating concrete contaminated by salts.
The corrosion potential mapping method is carried out on concrete structures to non-destructively identify the locations of rebar undergoing corrosion. The corrosion status is related to the measured corrosion potential value. The contours obtained by plotting the corrosion potential values are useful in delineating corroding portions of the structure from non-corroding portions. Potential mapping does not give information regarding corrosion rate. This technique is used for assessment or monitoring the durability of reinforced concrete members where corrosion is suspected.
The method of half-cell potential measurements normally involves measuring the potential of an embedded reinforcing bar relative to a reference half-cell placed on the concrete surface. This usually a copper sulphate cell. The concrete functions as an electrolyte and the risk of corrosion of the reinforcement in the immediate region of the test location may be related empirically to the measure potential difference. In some circumtances, useful measurements can be obtained between two half-cells on the concrete surface.
