The passive layer of embedded steel in concrete can be easily broken down by chloride ions. Hereby, when cracks occur, macro cell corrosion will be encouraged by making the migration of chloride pos- sible. To investigate the corrosion process and…
The passive layer of embedded steel in concrete can be easily broken down by chloride ions. Hereby, when cracks occur, macro cell corrosion will be encouraged by making the migration of chloride pos- sible. To investigate the corrosion process and dominant influencing factors, laboratory tests were carried out on central cracked beams, in which a corrosion system with single anode and multiple cathodes was well de- signed. The beams are subjected to both chloride/water wetting cycle and natural exposures. Corrosion cur- rents and potential are selected to be the basic research parameters. Data from 20 months’ daily measurement have been collected. Effects of concrete composition, exposure, cover depth, as well as carbonation are stud- ied. It is also found out that the ratio of anode and cathode surface plays an important role in the distribution of corrosion currents.