Non Destructive Detection of Corrosion of Reinforcing Steel in Concrete Structures using Electrochemical Noise Measurements

By Dianne Seepersad

Relevance
Present codes have guidelines for the design and construction of different types of concrete structures depending on usage, location, exposure conditions etc. Expected or unexpected exposure to chlorides and carbon, nitrogen and sulphur oxides can cause premature structural failure in both older and newer structures Early detection of corrosion can allow for prevention of premature structural failure and may even lengthen the structural life significantly.

Objective
Design and build a device for on-site corrosion detection in existing structures.
Input Electrochemical Noise (fluctuations in voltage potential and current flow) Output Corrosion existence/nonexistence, degree and rate

Control Variables
Control
Composition and dimensions of the reinforced concrete samples and reinforcing steel used Corrosive environment: different concentrations of chloride solutions pH of solutions, temperature, exposure time

Response Variables
Degree of corrosion Corrosion rate