Acoustic emission-based mathematical procedure for quantification of rebar corrosion in reinforced concrete

One of the most important causes for deterioration of reinforced concrete structures is corrosion of steel rebar in concrete. Acoustic emission (AE) technique is reported as an effective non-destructive tool for qualitatively identifying the onset of rebar corrosion. The applicability of AE for quantitative assessment of rebar corrosion in concrete is investigated here. Statistical analysis of experimental results under accelerated corrosion confirmed a promising relationship between gravimetrical rebar mass loss and AE measurement. The efficacy of the developed mathematical model was further confirmed under realistic prolonged corrosion exposure. Thus, a new procedure has been developed for quantification of rebar corrosion through experimental verification.