The application of electrochemical chloride extraction to reinforced concrete – A review

•This paper presents a state of the art of electrochemical chloride extraction.•ECE is an interesting treatment for RC structures suffering from chloride induced corrosion.•Efficiency of ECE is studied based on chloride extraction, steel corrosion mitigation and pH.•ECE potential side effects are described.•Long-term efficiency of ECE needs to be validated. In a context of ageing reinforced concrete structures, electrochemical chloride extraction (ECE) is an interesting treatment for structures damaged by chloride-induced corrosion. This paper summarises the state of the art by presenting the concept of ECE, assessing available measurement techniques and discussing influencing factors. The determination of ECE efficacy requires the consideration of different results, and particularly those pertaining to chloride extraction, corrosion mitigation and evolution of pH. This literature review also highlights the potential side effects and risks to the concrete structure. Further work is needed to ascertain the long-term performance of ECE.