Embrittlement susceptibility of corroded pre-stressing steel in concrete during cathodic polarization

Experiments and analyses were performed to better define the limits of concern regarding hydrogen embrittlement in association with application of cathodic protection to prestressed concrete. To accomplish this, prestressed concrete specimens were locally corroded to different levels by anodic polarization and then polarized to -1.30 V SCE. A procedure of examination was developed using strain gauges to determine the level of prestrain. Relatively few brittle failures of wires resulted due, at least in part, to a relatively low prestrain of the pretensioned tendons. A model was developed which, coupled with data from parallel research, permitted definition of the minimum cross section for brittle failure as a function of the magnitude of prestrain and corrosion morphology of the wire. These results were tabulated in a format that can be used during field inspection to identify structural elements for which fracture could occur upon application of cathodic protection.