Analysis of Steel Bars in Corrosion Process after 70 Years of Natural Aging.

Abstract

Reinforced concrete structures are commonly used in civil engineering. However, the number of deteriorations in these structures is increasing, especially problems related to steel corrosion. Also, according studies, corrosion is responsible for about 3.5 % of annual GDP with recovery costs in world. Thus, this study analyzed the corrosion of steel bars at 70-year-old, which are in corrosion process by natural aging. Tests were performed to analyze the bars microstructure, using SEM and EDS, as well as analysis of the current mechanical characteristics, with tensile test. Through SEM, it was possible to measure the layer of the corrosion products formed at the samples edge, and to observe the fragility of this region, with the presence of several microcracks. EDS test contributed to verify the oxygen difference from the nucleus until to the specimen edge. It was possible to notice that in the edge, presence of oxygen is much greater. In the mechanical tests, by the tensile test, the samples do not reach the minimum elongation and the limit of resistance prescribed in the standard. Thus, it is believed after 70 years of natural aging, the samples are in advanced process of corrosion, with edges worn out, and no comply with the minimum mechanical requirements.

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