CHLORIDE REMOVAL AND CORROSION PROTECTION OF REINFORCED CONCRETE

This paper deals with an electro-chemical technique for removing chlorides from salt-contaminated concrete. The method, which is commercially available, and which is in use in several countries, is briefly described. The method uses low-voltage DC current to cause migration of chloride ions out of the concrete and into an external electrolyte which is then removed. Treatment times for most structures vary from between 2 and 8 weeks. The paper touches upon problems associated with electro-chemical treatment such a monitoring and documenting their success, hydrogen enbrittlement, and the question of alkali-aggregate reactions. A novel lead reference electrode is briefly described. For the covering abstract of the conference see IRRD 832707. (A)