Stray current vs anodic polarization in reinforced mortar: a comparative study on steel corrosion behaviour in both regimes

Stray current arising from direct current electrified traction systems and then circulat-ing in reinforced concrete structures may initiate corrosion or even accelerate existing corrosion processes on embedded reinforcement. Therefore, stray-current induced corrosion of nearby reinforced concrete structures deserves more attention in view of maintaining structures‘ integrity. The current state-of-the-art generally reports on sim-ulating stray current corrosion through anodic polarization, rather than stray current effects on the corrosion behaviour of steel in reinforced concrete. This work presents the comparison of effects of stray current (through the application of external DC electrical field) and direct anodic polarization on the corrosion behaviour of steel, embedded in mortar specimens. The level of stray current and anodic polarization were set at 0.3 mA/cm2 and evolution of electrochemical response over time was monitored via OCP (Open Circuit Potential) and EIS (Electrochemical Impedance Spectroscopy). The steel response was recorded as a result from “under polarization” conditions in both anodic and stray current regimes and compared to “rest” (no polar-ization) conditions.Materials and Environmen