Behavior of Potential of Half-Cell AISI 1018 and GS in Concrete Buried in Sand in the Presence of MgSO4

Abstract

This project, in the area of reinforced concrete corrosion, evaluated the potential of half-cell AISI 1018 CS (Carbon Steel) and GS Steel (Steel with galvanized coating); 15 cm long bars were used as reinforcement in specimens of concrete buried in a Type SP Sand (contaminated with 0% and 3% MgSO4). The experimental arrangement of this research represents the case of the elements of the foundations of concrete structures that are planted near marine areas where this type of soil exists with the presence of high contents of depassivating ions such as sulfates. The study specimens were made with two concrete mixtures with a water/cement ratio 0.45 but with different types of cement (Portland Cement and Sulfate Resistant Cement). For monitoring the half-cell potential according to ASTM C 876-15, the specimens were buried in the clean SP soil and in the same soil but contaminated with MgSO4. After more than 270 days of exposure to uncontaminated SP sand contaminated with MgSO4, the behavior of the half-cell potentials or corrosion potentials show that the specimen made with the sulfate-resistant cement and reinforced with GS Steel (Steel with galvanized coating) presents the highest resistance to corrosion by MgSO4 at a concentration of 3%.