Special testing services to check the levels of chloride ion ingress in reinforced
concrete now available from (CBT),
will prove to be a useful aid for the construction industry. CBT is a division
of CERAM, the internationally
renowned centre for materials and technology, based in Stoke-on-Trent.
One of the major forms of attack is chloride ion ingress which can lead to
the corrosion of the reinforcing steel and a subsequent reduction in strength.
Bridges are particularly susceptible as the main source of chloride ions is
road salt. Reinforced concrete used in coastal environments is also at risk.
CBT’s Prof Geoff Edgell, explained; “Relatively impenetrable concrete
is often used as a means of preventing chloride penetration, however, as the
passage of chloride ions through concrete is naturally very slow it would be
uneconomic to test at the normal rate. We are able to use accelerated test methods
to assess the potential for and ease of passage of the chloride ions through
the concrete.”
Reinforced concrete is expected to last in any particular environment, often
with little or no maintenance or repair for long periods of time (often over
100 years). CBT’s ability to carry out accelerated testing will be important
for Consulting and Civil Engineers, either in the event of a degradation problem
or when checking concrete structures for potential future problems.