Long-term effects of electrochemical realkalization on carbonated concrete

The long-term effects of electrochemical realkalization on carbonated reinforced concrete with a W/C ratio of 0.65 were studied. Fourteen out of 16 carbonated specimens had been subjected to realkalization seven years ago, and the alkalinity of the concrete, the electrochemical characters (corrosion current density and potential) of the specimens and the corrosion conditions of the steel bars were examined. Results of different specimens and also at different time (4, 10, 13 months and 7 years after realkalization) were compared. According to the phenolphthalein and pH meter test, the alkalinity of the concrete had disappeared after seven years. Based on the potentiodynamic polarization test, various corrosion conditions had developed on the steel bars, which was verified by visual observation. All bars were in the depassivated state, and their corrosion current densities increased significantly after seven years. Cracks developed in some of the specimens, and the diverse compactness of concrete and excessive current of realkalization were considered to be possible causes. The effects of the realkalization treatment vanished after seven years.