Environmental influences on linear polarisation corrosion rate measurement in reinforced concrete

The linear polarisation resistance (LPR) method can be used to measure the active rate of corrosion of steel reinforcement in concrete structures. However a single measurement may be sensitive to the ambient environmental conditions and thus may not be representative of the mean annual rate of corrosion. The LPR measurement may be dependent upon the temperature at the time of sampling and on any wetting/drying effects resulting from rainfall and wind or sunshine. Recent studies have examined the behaviour of a series of reinforced concrete specimens subject to chloride contamination or carbonation induced corrosion in a controlled laboratory environment. LPR measurements taken at frequent intervals have been related to a wet/dry cycle imposed upon the specimens to promote corrosion activity. In addition, similar studies have been carried out, of an in situ reinforced concrete specimen exposed to the ambient weather conditions. The study is only partly completed, but interim results show the variability of LPR measurements and the influences the environment may exert on single spot measurements.