Project Title
Current state of simulated deck samples cast with corrosion resistant alloys (>16 years)
Researcher
Francisco Presuel-Moreno
Project Description
The proposed research will assess the current state of corrosion resistant alloy (CRA) rebars embedded in concrete after prolonged outdoor exposure. Samples were prepared with several types of CRAs. The sample geometry is known as simulated deck slabs. Several sets of samples were prepared between 2003 and 2006. The SDS samples were exposed to 15% by wt NaCl solution for at least 10 years (1 week wet and 1 week dry). The samples that remain have higher grade CRA rebars. After that the samples continued to be exposed outdoors but the NaCl solution was not refreshed as frequently and during the last five years no additional NaCl solution has been added. The solution reservoirs on many samples have deteriorated and there is no longer a top on most of them. Chlorides from ocean spray deposit onto the top of the sample that modestly add to those already on the sample. Besides the outdoors samples, there are two SDS samples exposed indoors that were prepared with a duplex stainless steel in 2008 and these samples were subjected to accelerated chloride transport. Electrochemical tests and rebar potential will be measured periodically on selected samples. At least five samples will be forensically analyzed. Besides characterizing the rebar surface conditions, the chloride concentration above the rebar trace will be measured.
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