Passivation and Corrosion Behavior of Carbon Steel in Simulated Concrete Pore Solution under Tensile and Compressive Stresses

Reinforced concrete structures inevitably experience variable mechanical loads and continuous degradation from aggressive environments such as deicing salts. In this study, several electrochemical measurements were performed on steel immersed in simulated concrete pore solution (with and without chloride ions) under different types and levels of mechanical loadings. Results indicate that steel specimens immersed in chloride-free pore solution under tensile loadings passivate more rapidly compared with those under compressive loadings. However, the situation in chloride-contaminated solution is different, and steel under tensile stress exhibits more corrosion than steel under compressive stress or under no load. (C) 2014 American Society of Civil Engineers.