The short and long-term effects of electro-chemical chloride extraction (ECE) treatment on corrosion rate of
corroded reinforcement have been studied. The factors controlling ECE treatment were identified, and the
alterations which occurred in the chloride profile of the cover zone due to ECE process were followed.
Contaminated reinforced OPC and SRC mortar specimens made with 1 or 2% NaCl, by mass of cement, were
prepared, cured and then subjected to 3 or 5% NaCl for one year. These specimens were finally treated with
ECE using various impressed current densities (1 and 2 A/m2) and electrolytes (water and calcium
hydroxide) for 2, 4 and 8 weeks. The state of corrosion was monitored regularly every 2 weeks from halting
ECE process up to 52 weeks using zero-resistance ammeter device for measuring the corrosion current
density of reinforcement. Selected samples from the cover zone of the untreated and treated specimens were
finally taken to assess their chloride profiles. |
