In-situ X-ray microcomputed tomography monitoring of steel corrosion in engineered cementitious composite (ECC)

Real-time and in-situ monitoring of the corrosion process of steel reinforcement covered by engineered cementitious composites (ECC) was conducted by using high-resolution X-ray microcomputed tomography. The test results revealed vividly that the corrosion-induced rusts fill into the pores near the steel and extend along the radial cracks towards the sample surface. Compared to plain mortar, ECC exhibits a few more microcracks and uniform crack distribution. While massive leaching of rust is found in the plain mortar, a significant amount of rust remains in the cracks of ECC. Through the image segmentation method, the volume loss of steel in ECC can be quantitatively monitored. (C) 2020 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.