Chloride-induced corrosion of steel rebars in simulated pore solutions of alkali-activated concretes

S. Mundra, M. Criado, S.A. Bernal, J.L. Provis

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208 Citations (SciVal)

Abstract

The passivation and chloride-induced depassivation of steel rebars immersed in varying alkaline environments (0.80 M, 1.12 M and 1.36 M NaOH solutions), simulating the pore solutions of low-Ca alkali-activated concretes, were investigated using a range of electrochemical techniques. The passive film on the steel rebars was complex in chemical makeup, composed of Fe–hydroxides, oxy-hydroxides and oxides. An increased degree of passivation of the rebars was observed when exposed to solutions with higher hydroxide concentrations. The critical chloride level ([Cl−]/[OH−] ratio) required to induce depassivation of steel was strongly dependent on the alkalinity of the pore solution, and was found to be 0.90, 1.70 and 2.40 for 0.80 M, 1.12 M and 1.36 M NaOH solutions, respectively. These values all correspond to a constant value of [Cl−]/[OH−]3 = 1.25, which is a novel relationship to predict the onset of pitting, interlinking chloride concentration and the solubility of the passive film.
Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)385-397
JournalCement and Concrete Research
Volume100
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 31 Oct 2017

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