Contact person
Bror Sederholm
Specialist
Contact Bror
Corrosion in concrete
Corrosion of metal structures in concrete depends on the composition and character of the concrete. Of importance in this context is the porosity, that the concrete is free of cracks and that the metal is covered with an adequate layer of concrete. The required thickness of the concrete is dependent on the corrosivity of the ambient environment.
Steel surfaces in contact with concrete (pH 12-13) have a protective passive film, which can be damaged if the concrete is carbonated via a reaction with carbon dioxide, if chlorides are introduced during casting or if the concrete is exposed to chlorides from deicing salts or seawater.
RISE has several large research and development projects concerning corrosion and corrosion protection in reinforcement steel in concrete. Such projects include
- corrosion properties of stainless steel in concrete with high moisture and chloride content
- cathodic protection of concrete structures with thermally sprayed sacrificial zinc anodes
- corrosion and corrosion protection of cement-grouted rock bolts in underground installations.
What we can offer
We can assist with assignments such as inspection, corrosion and damage assessment, design of cathodic protection and contact measurements between reinforcements and other structures.
We also assist with corrosion testing under field conditions adapted to the customer's needs for location and materials. Such corrosivity determinations can be made both indoors and outdoors.
