Electrochemical investigations on the corrosion behaviour of galvanized reinforcing steels in concrete with chromate-reduced cements

The reduction of the chromate contents in cements affects the electrochemical reactions of galvanized reinforcing steels in fresh concrete. By means of electrochemical measurements and bar pull‐out tests the effect of chromates on the formation of protective coatings at the zinc and the bond behaviour have been investigated using chromate‐containing and chromate‐reduced cements. The results have shown that the bond zone was affected as a result of chromate reduction for cement types CEM I and CEM II. The disturbance to the bond zone should be considered as long‐term in relation to the pore structure which is formed. The effects on the bond are largely compensated for as the concrete ages. The results of the related bond strength with displacement paths of 0.1 and 0.5 mm, respectively, are still within the range of expected figures for non‐galvanized reinforcing steel despite the structural disturbance. Under practical aspects it is not necessary that the existing structural disturbance with respect to bond strength is taken into consideration.