Effect of Steel Microfibers on Corrosion of Steel Reinforcing Bars

Steel microfiber reinforcement was previously found to be successful in mitigating alkali silica reaction in concrete, an expansive phenomenon. The use of steel microfibers to mitigate rebar corrosion, another expansive reaction, was investigated. Mortar specimens with and without steel microfiber reinforcement were exposed to a corrosive environment. All specimens were prepared with water/cement ratios of both 0.40 and 0.55, cured for 28 days, and submerged in aerated 3.5% NaCl solution. The corrosion behavior of the specimens was monitored via electrochemical measurements. Three types of electrochemical tests were performed: corrosion potential measurements, potentiodynamic polarization, and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy. Chloride concentration measurements and microscopic analysis were performed as well. The polarization curves, Tafel, and polarization resistance measurements indicate that the steel rebar in the microfiber-reinforced mortars are more resistant to corrosion than the rebar in the control mortars, despite higher chloride concentrations. Furthermore, the steel microfiber-reinforced cement based materials have a lower electrolytic resistance. This is not indicative of a higher corrosion rate, which would be the case if it had been observed in standard mortar specimens.

• Availability:
  • Find a library where document is available. Order URL: http://worldcat.org/issn/00088846
• Supplemental Notes:
  • Abstract reprinted with permission from Elsevier.
• Authors:
  • Grubb, J A
  • Blunt, J
  • Ostertag, Claudia P
  • Devine, T M
• Publication Date: 2007-7

Language

• English

Media Info

• Media Type: Print
• Features: Figures; Photos; References; Tables;
• Pagination: pp 1115-1126
• Serial:
  • Cement and Concrete Research
  • Volume: 37
  • Issue Number: 7
  • Publisher: Elsevier
  • ISSN: 0008-8846
  • Serial URL: http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/journal/00088846

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Concrete structures; Corrosion; Electrochemical corrosion; Electrochemical processes; Reinforced concrete; Reinforcing bars; Steel fibers; Structural deterioration and defects
• Uncontrolled Terms: Corrosive environments; Microfibers
• Subject Areas: Bridges and other structures; Design; Highways; Materials; I24: Design of Bridges and Retaining Walls; I32: Concrete;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 01055575
• Record Type: Publication
• Files: TRIS
• Created Date: Aug 22 2007 7:49PM