The Half-cell potential test for concrete is a standardized corrosion monitoring technique used to assess the likelihood of corrosion within the reinforcing steel of concrete structures.
Can half-cell potential measurements be used on reinforced concrete?
Half-cell potential measurements are suitable mainly on reinforced concrete structures exposed to the atmosphere. The method (measurement and interpretation) can be applied regardless of the depth of concrete cover and the rebar size and detailing.
The corrosion potential Ecorr (half-cell rebar / concrete) is measured as potential difference (or voltage) against a reference electrode (half-cell). As a corrosion detection technique this was first used by Stratful .
Should a concrete cover be compared with a half-cell potential?
simple comparison of half-cell potential data with the ASTM standard may not be useful. the change of potentials may be circuit useful provided that a corrosion specialist interprets the data. A dense concrete cover provides a good physical barrier protecting the steel from chloride-induced corrosion.
What are half-cell potentials?
Half-cell potentials measure the corrosion potential Ecorr which is related to the corrosion state of steel in concrete. As is shown in subsequent paragraphs, the measured values are influenced by concrete cover, concrete resistivity (moisture content) and oxygen availability.
How reliable is a half-cell potential survey of a reinforced concrete structure?
A reliable half-cell potential survey of corrosion damage of a reinforced concrete structure requires good planning and preparation, careful measurement and data validation. The ASTM C876 standard provides a satisfactory measurement specific conditions of the structure.
What is a half-cell potential test?
The half-cell potential test is the only corrosion monitoring technique standardized in ASTM C876 – 15: Standard Test Method for Corrosion Potentials of Uncoated Reinforcing Steel in Concrete. It is used to determine the probability of corrosion within the rebar in reinforced concrete structures.