Methods for characterising the steel-concrete interface to enhance understanding of reinforcement corrosion: a critical review by RILEM TC 262-SCI
OPEN ACCESS
Loading...
Author / Producer
Date
2022-05-03
Publication Type
Review Article
ETH Bibliography
yes
Citations
Altmetric
OPEN ACCESS
Data
Rights / License
Abstract
The steel-concrete interface (SCI) is a complex, multi-phase and multi-scale system. It is widely known to influence the performance and long-term durability of concrete structures. However, a fundamental understanding of its properties and effects on corrosion initiation of embedded reinforcing steel remains elusive. This is attributed to its complicated heterogeneity and time-dependent nature, exacerbated by the lack of suitable techniques for systematic and detailed characterisation. This paper, prepared by members of the RILEM Technical Committee 262-SCI, critically reviews available information regarding current methods (laboratory or field-based) for characterising local properties of the SCI that have been identified as governing factors affecting corrosion initiation. These properties include characteristics of the steel such as mill scale and rust layers, and characteristics of the concrete such as interfacial voids, microstructure and moisture content. We evaluated over twenty methods and summarised their advantages, applications and limitations. The findings show a severe lack of well established, non-destructive techniques that are suitable for direct monitoring of the SCI at a representative scale with sufficiently high resolution (spatial, temporal), particularly for moisture related aspects. Several promising novel techniques with significant potential for further development and application were identified and discussed. Finally, we provide several recommendations for future research needs that are required to advance this critically important topic.
Permanent link
Publication status
published
External links
Editor
Book title
Journal / series
Volume
55 (4)
Pages / Article No.
124
Publisher
Springer
Event
Edition / version
Methods
Software
Geographic location
Date collected
Date created
Subject
Steel–concrete interface; Durability; Corrosion; Microstructure; Moisture; Characterisation