Neutralization of Chloride in Concrete

Abstract

DOT-FH-11-8133This study was concerned with one solution to the problem of deterioration of bridge decks due to corrosion of reinforcing steel caused by chloride from deicing salts. Flushing of salts by application of water to the underside of the concrete and electrochemical removal of the chlorides were investigated. Flushing was found to be ineffective and work on it was abandoned early. However, the electrochemical removal technique showed promise of success first in the laboratory and later in a small scale field trial. In the latter chloride present at the level of the top rebar mat was reduced to below the concentration that is known to cause corrosion in 24 hours of treatment, and active corrosion of the steel that was going on was completely stopped