On the effectiveness of realkalisation as a rehabilitation method for corroded reinforced concrete structures

Abstract

Escuela Universitaria de Arquitectura Técnica de Madrid, Av. Jüan de Herrera, 6, 28040-Madrid (Spain) Based on available experience with the use of electrochemical realkalisation (ERA), a fairly recent method for rehabilitating reinforced concrete structures (RCS), carbonated concrete can undoubtedly be realkalised. To the authors' minds, however, the following questions remain unanswered: (a) does ERA always effectively repassivates reinforcements?; (b) can ERA be considered an end or just a means to ensuring RCS durability?; and (c) what is the use of ERA if it cannot stop corrosion? This work was aimed at answering the previous, controversial questions. To this aim, the behaviour in a Ca(OH)2 saturated solution, and in a sound uncarbonated mortar consisting of 1:3:0.5 cement, sand and water, of reinforcing bars from an RCS that failed through carbonation after 29 years of service life was examined. © WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH.