Performance of a penetrating corrosion inhibitor in concrete affected by carbonation-induced corrosion

The performance of an organic, penetrating corrosion inhibitor in reducing the rate of corrosion and delaying the onset of corrosion in carbonated concrete was investigated. Laboratory trials were undertaken on specimens treated with the corrosion inhibitor before and after accelerated carbonation. Corrosion monitoring was undertaken for 11 months measuring corrosion rate, rebar potential, and resistivity. Results indicate that the penetrating corrosion inhibitor is capable of reducing corrosion rates and delaying the onset of corrosion under carbonation conditions. The effectiveness of the inhibitor was also assessed on site structures exhibiting severe carbonation-induced corrosion. Corrosion monitoring on site was done for a period of nine months. Findings from site studies confirmed that surface application of the corrosion inhibitor significantly reduced the corrosion rate of reinforcement embedded in carbonated concrete when compared with untreated elements.