New advanced electrochemical techniques for on site measurements of reinforcement corrosion

Abstract

Measurement techniques of reinforcement corrosion are scarcely researched if compared with the increasing number of publications in the subject. However, numerous possibilities and challenges remain without being explored. In present paper mention is made to some of the present possibilities of electrochemical techniques, either on-site or in the laboratory. Concerning on-site techniques it is commented the possibilities and limitations of present methods of measuring Polarization Resistance, Rp. Particular attention is given to the need to use a modulated guardring with sensors controlling this modulation to obtain accurate values of the corrosion rate. After, description of the basis of new techniques related to the measurements of the passivation state in cathodically protected structures, is made. The basis of a new method of measuring corrosion without the need to touch the metal is also presented. Regarding the use of embedded sensors, the experience until now shows the difficulty of interpretation of the data collected, due to the important influence of ambient temperature. Finally, some comments are presented on the need of joint work of material and structural specialists.