Influence of macro-cell corrosion in reinforced bar on measured electrochemical properties

Abstract

       Half-cell potential is frequently used to investigate the steel corrosion of existing RC structures. However, when the macro-cell corrosion is generated the potential of cathode is affected by anodic reaction and hence correct corrosion potential from the direct measurements cannot be obtained. In this research, the effect of macro-cell corrosion on measured half-cell potentials was experimented using both continuous and segmented steel bars. The effect of anodic reaction on the measured potential of cathodic area was observed in the results i.e. the significantly negative half-cell potentials were observed in the regions with no chloride. Additionally, it was found that the corrosion rate changes depending on the area ratio between anode and the cathode. [This abstract is not included in the PDF]