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Corrosion of zinc‐coated reinforcing bars in tropical humid marine environments

L. Maldonado (Departamento de Física Aplicada, Cinvestav‐Mérida, Mérida, Mexico)
M.A. Pech‐Canul (Departamento de Física Aplicada, Cinvestav‐Mérida, Mérida, Mexico)
Safaa Alhassan (International Lead and Zinc Research Organization, Inc., Research Triangle Park, North Carolina, USA)

Anti-Corrosion Methods and Materials

ISSN: 0003-5599

Article publication date: 1 November 2006

621

Abstract

Purpose

Reinforcing steel bars in concrete structures exposed to tropical marine atmospheres experience very high corrosion rates due to several environmental factors. The aim of this research was mainly to elucidate if zinc‐coated rebars may delay the onset of corrosion and/or extend the service life of infrastructure in the tropics, as the approach is promising in other atmospheres.

Design/methodology/approach

Hot‐dip zinc‐coated and plain steel rebars were embedded in concrete cylinders made with local aggregates and having four different water‐to‐cement ratios. Samples were exposed during 24 months at the marine breeze in a coastal site in the Gulf of Mexico. The corrosion behaviour of zinc‐coated and uncoated rebars was monitored by means of corrosion potential and linear polarization resistance techniques. Also, carbonation penetration and the chloride ingress were measured and correlated with the corrosion behaviour.

Findings

Only under the worst case conditions (concrete with 0.7 w/c ratio) did galvanized steel experience corrosion initiation. It was shown to resist higher chloride levels than uncoated steel and extended the onset of corrosion.

Originality/Value

The effectiveness of the zinc‐coated bar for corrosion control is controversial and its use mainly is supported by accelerated tests or application in cold or subtropical environments. This research showed the corrosion behaviour in an extremely corrosive tropical zone.

Keywords

Citation

Maldonado, L., Pech‐Canul, M.A. and Alhassan, S. (2006), "Corrosion of zinc‐coated reinforcing bars in tropical humid marine environments", Anti-Corrosion Methods and Materials, Vol. 53 No. 6, pp. 357-361. https://doi.org/10.1108/00035590610711697

Publisher

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Emerald Group Publishing Limited

Copyright © 2006, Emerald Group Publishing Limited

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