Effect of steel reinforcement type and surface condition on corrosion initiation in mortar

This study employed half-cell potential (Eoc), polarization resistance (PR) and galvanic current tests to explore effects of surface condition and steel reinforcement type on corrosion initiation in mortar. A low impurity steel plate and #10 grade 60 rebar were used. Four surface conditions (as-received, atmospherically rusted, #240 SiC paper polished, and #500 SiC paper polished) were employed. Cyclic wet and dry exposure of specimens in 15% NaCl solution was conducted. Half-cell potential measurements showed that the corrosion probability of specimens with as-received and pre-rusted surfaces was lower than that of specimens with a polished surface. However, the PR and galvanic current tests indicated higher corrosion rate for specimens prepared with atmospherically rusted and as-received steels. Good agreement was found between results of the polarization resistance test and galvanic current measurements. There is a lack of correlation between half-cell potential and corrosion rate.