The effect of the electrochemical chloride extraction treatment on steel-reinforced mortar Part I: Electrochemical measurements

A study has been made of the effectiveness of electrochemical chloride extraction in reducing chloride-induced corrosion of rebar embedded in steel with chlorides added with the mixing water, ingressed by ponding with a NaCl solution, or both. After exposure for 1 year, specimens with and without chlorides were subjected to an electrochemical chloride extraction treatment. Corrosion measurements taken before and after extraction showed that the treatment halted chloride-induced pitting in those specimens that were under attack. However, the extraction treatment increased the overall corrosion rate for all specimens studied due to reduction of the passive film and significant changes in pore solution and cement chemistry adjacent to the rebar.