Calibration of Accelerated Corrosion Protocol for Reinforced Concrete Columns

Researchers globally have adopted different techniques for simulating the effects of corrosion on reinforced concrete (RC) sections in different experimental studies. Application of Faraday’s law remains the most commonly used technique for designing and controlling accelerated corrosion regimes for testing RC sections. In this study, we analyse the competence of Faraday’s law-based methodology to simulate corrosion of RC structures in laboratory conditions. Twelve small-scale (300 × 300 × 500 mm) RC columns were subjected to Faraday’s law-based accelerated corrosion regime. Variables of the study were the degree of corrosion and grade of concrete. Damage in the RC section due to corrosion was evaluated in terms of surface distress, corrosion cracking, surface strain and gravimetric examination. Monitoring of the corrosion process through potentiometric measurements and comparing the results with the obtained gravimetric results yielded calibration factors for Faraday’s law-based procedure. The proposed calibration factors were then validated by designing and testing accelerated corrosion for large-scale RC columns.