Brittle propensity of chromium microalloyed and corroded prestressing steel under cathodic protection

Qualification criteria for cathodic protection of pre-tensioned tendon wires in concrete were studied with regard to the risks of embrittlement due to chromium microalloying and existing corrosion damage. The selected materials included two microalloyed (with 0.23 and 0.24 w% chromium) and one non-microalloyed, high carbon prestressing steels. The slow strain rate testing technique was used to evaluate the effects of polarization to -0.90 and -1.30 VSCE upon strength and ductility of the steels. Fractographic analysis was performed using scanning electron microscopy. Based upon statistical analysis, an attempt was made to relate the remaining strength of the corroded wire to the extent of corrosion damage for different corrosion morphologies.