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A minimalist approach to polarization resistance measurements in a reinforced concrete structure
Author(s) -
Keßler Sylvia,
Sagüés Alberto A.
Publication year - 2020
Publication title -
materials and corrosion
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.487
H-Index - 55
eISSN - 1521-4176
pISSN - 0947-5117
DOI - 10.1002/maco.202011544
Subject(s) - reinforced concrete , polarization (electrochemistry) , corrosion , computer science , key (lock) , curriculum , construction engineering , materials science , engineering , structural engineering , metallurgy , computer security , chemistry , sociology , pedagogy
In the curriculum of future civil engineers, electrochemical concepts are often neglected, even though this knowledge is essential to adequately maintain reinforced concrete structures in a chloride‐exposed environment. Experiments are necessary to consolidate key theoretical concepts, but laboratory experience often involves complex and expensive electronic equipment that may obscure the basic procedures at work. This paper presents a simple minimalistic electrochemical test for polarization resistance measurements by which students can learn basic concepts of corrosion electrochemistry and estimate the corrosion rate as a key parameter for estimation of the remaining service life of concrete structures. The focus is on avoiding unnecessary complications and providing an experiment that can be readily implemented for a wider student reach.