Novel Accelerated Test Method for RH Dependency of Steel Corrosion in Carbonated Mortar

Degradation of reinforced concrete (RC) structures can occur through the carbonation-induced corrosion of reinforcing bars, and this process is a major concern for the durability of RC buildings. Structures located in relatively humid inland environments are especially vulnerable. Therefore, it is important to clarify how relative humidity (RH) affects steel corrosion rates in carbonated concrete. In this study, a novel accelerated test method is presented, which shortens the experimental duration and simplifies the experimental method. A miniaturized specimen was created with 20 x 20 x 40 mm(3) dimensions and an effective carbonation depth of only 5 mm. The corrosion rate of rebar in the small mortar specimens was studied at different equilibrium RH conditions, which were controlled using saturated salt solutions. The accelerated carbonation process was found to be much faster than in traditional concrete experiments. Finally, the relationship between water content (as a function of RH) and corrosion rate showed that the corrosion rate of rebar in carbonated mortar has a strong dependency on RH. The relationship between the mortar resistance and the corrosion rate indicated that the corrosion process of rebar in carbonated mortar is under resistive control when RH above 80%, and under anodic control when RH below 80%.