How to Prevent Reinforcement Corrosion on Site?
Corrosion of steel rods is extremely damaging to reinforced concrete elements and may even lead to structural failure. On the other hand, numerous precautions can be taken to prevent the corrosion of steel bars on construction sites.
High-quality, low-permeability concrete is crucial for regulating various corrosion mechanisms. Even though conventional concrete is not completely impermeable, paying proper attention to various aspects of construction such as craftsmanship, concrete mixtures, and curing can guarantee the production of high-quality, low-permeability concrete.
These measures are essential for designers and site engineers to take to prevent reinforcement corrosion:
Use of Corrosion-Resistant Steel: Corrosion-resistant steel bars (CRSB) are a form of steel that has been treated or alloyed to resist corrosion. Utilizing CRSB can significantly reduce corrosion risk.
Coating the Rebar: Coating the rebar with epoxy or other anti-corrosive materials can create a physical barrier that prevents the steel from contacting corrosive elements.
Concrete Quality: Using high-quality, low-permeability concrete can prevent corrosive elements from reaching the reinforcing bars. Too much water will increase the porosity of the concrete, making it simpler for corrosive elements to reach the reinforcing bars.
Cathodic Protection: This is a technique used to prevent the corrosion of a metal surface by transforming it into the cathode of an electrochemical cell. This can be accomplished by affixing a sacrifice anode that will corrode instead of the rebar.
Concrete cover: In addition to preventing corrosion, ensuring that the rebar is correctly covered by concrete is also important. The concrete serves as a physical barrier, prohibiting corrosive elements from reaching the reinforcing steel.
Control of chlorides: Chlorides, especially those derived from deicing compounds, can cause corrosion of the rebar. Controlling the concrete’s exposure to these ions can aid in preventing corrosion.
Regular Inspection and Maintenance: Regularly inspecting the rebar for signs of corrosion and conducting the necessary maintenance can aid in detecting and addressing corrosion issues at an early stage.
Disclaimer: This content is provided solely for your review. Erusu Consultants takes no liability for this article. The reader is advised to form their own opinion. Please consult a Structural Engineer before making any final decisions.
