The behaviour of galvanized steel in chloride-containing alkaline solutions-I. The influence of the cation

Abstract

The behaviour of galvanized reinforced bars (rebars) in chloride-contaminated concrete is a very controversial matter not yet resolved. An extensive study of the behaviour of galvanized steel in alkaline solutions which simulate the aqueous phase present in concrete pores has been undertaken. This paper describes the modifications that the presence of chloride has on the corrosion behaviour of galvanized steel in alkaline solutions, as well as the influence of the accompanying cation. It was confirmed that the corrosion behaviour of galvanized steel in the presence of chlorides is controlled by the medium pH, which depends on the calcium or sodium salt which provides the chloride ions.