ELECTROCHEMICAL REPAIR OF REINFORCED CONCRETE IN THE UK

This article describes electrochemical methods for repairing reinforced concrete, and reviews the use of these methods by Martech Services Limited. The main problems affecting reinforced concrete are: (1) carbonation due to carbon dioxide in the atmosphere; (2) corrosion by chloride ions in de-icing salts; (3) reinforcement corrosion; and (4) alkali-silica reaction (ASR). Re-alkalisation and desalination are electrochemical techniques for combating carbonation and chloride attack, respectively; both apply a low voltage direct current between the reinforcing steel (cathode) and an external electrode (anode). A lithium-based compound is used as the electrolyte in treating ASR. The advantages and disadvantages of Martech's re-alkalisation and desalination processes are listed. The Martech Expert Management System is a software expert system, specifically designed to control and monitor these two processes. The system is used in all applications, both sprayed and shuttered, and has avoided most of the practical problems with the sprayed system. It also has an on-line help facility, to provide basic information and display fault diagnoses. The article finally reviews the more important reinforced concrete repair projects that Martech completed in the UK from 1991 to 1993.

• Availability:
  • Find a library where document is available. Order URL: http://worldcat.org/issn/09670726
• Corporate Authors:

  PALLADIAN PUBLICATIONS LTD

  THE OLD FORGE
  ELSTEAD, SURREY  United Kingdom  GU8 6DD
• Authors:
  • MCFARLAND, B
• Publication Date: 1995

Language

• English

Media Info

• Pagination: p. 3-6
• Serial:
  • CONSTRUCTION REPAIR
  • Volume: 9
  • Issue Number: 4
  • Publisher: PALLADIAN PUBLICATIONS LTD
  • ISSN: 0967-0726

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Alkali; Carbon dioxide; Carbonates; Corrosion; Deicing chemicals; Electrolysis; Expert systems; Halides; Oxides; Reinforced concrete; Repairing; Silicon; Steel
• ITRD Terms: 7353: Alkali; 7393: Carbon dioxide; 7312: Carbonate; 5252: Corrosion; 2598: Deicing; 7135: Electrolysis; 8626: Expert system; 7314: Halide; 7372: Oxide; 4794: Reinforced concrete; 3635: Repair; 7148: Silicon; 4542: Steel
• Subject Areas: Maintenance and Preservation;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 00723182
• Record Type: Publication
• Source Agency: Transport Research Laboratory
• Files: ITRD
• Created Date: Jul 26 1996 12:00AM