| dc.description.abstract | One of the most common corrosion protection methods in reinforcing concrete
bars is the application of fusion-bonded epoxy coatings. Although considerable
research has been carried out on the performance of epoxy-coated bars (ECR),
there are still many uncertainties about their performance in cracked concrete.
In this experimental program, reinforcing steel bars with six types of epoxy
coatings embedded in concrete slabs with a 0.4mm wide preformed crack
intersecting the reinforcing steel at right angles were tested. Results of
corrosion potentials, corrosion current density, coating adhesion tests, chloride
content, and visual examination after 68 months of exposure to a simulated
marine environment are reported. Results revealed that under the studied
conditions the ECR did not provide total protection of steel reinforcement in
cracked concrete. Their use however, tended to reduce significantly the damage
caused by the chloride-induced corrosion when compared with the uncoated
bars embedded in concrete with similar characteristics. | |
