Evaluation of passivation method and corrosion inhibitors for steel reinforced concrete structures

A study was carried out to develop an economic and practical method for anti-corrosion treatment of steel rebars. Saturated calcium hydroxide was used as the simulated pore solution (SPS) to passivate steel rebars, and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) was used to check the passivation efficiency. It was found that the passivation of reinforcing steel with saturated calcium hydroxide solution is not a reliable and effective method for practical use. A total of 63 short beam samples were prepared to determine the effects of corrosion inhibitors on the corrosion control of embedded steel reinforcement in concrete exposed to chloride environments. Further, 42 beams were prepared with salt solution at two different chloride levels to accelerate corrosion. Corrosion progress was monitored by open circuit voltage, current flow and EIS. Based on the results, the best repair methodology was established