Corrosion Behavior of Strained Rebar in Simulated Concrete Pore Solution

Parts of reinforcing steel bar (rebar) used in concrete are subjected to high levels of plastic strain due to various operations during construction. This work presents the corrosion behavior of pre-strained rebars in simulated concrete pore solution, both in the presence and in the absence of chlorides. Results obtained from the electrochemical tests (EIS and cyclic polarization) in chloride-free pore solutions have indicated the formation of more protective passive films in the strained steels. However, when contaminated with chlorides, the strained steels have exhibited higher corrosion susceptibility due to the changes in the surface condition, microstructure and dislocation density.