Corrosion Protection of Construction Steel

Abstract

Reinforced concrete is one of the most versatile materials for construction. In spite of this, the performance is limited by corrosion, cracking, and spalling of the steel rebars. The steel embedded in the concrete is protected by a passive film from the corrosive attack of chlorides, carbon dioxide, and sulphates. As the concentration of chlorides, carbon dioxide, or sulphates increases above a certain threshold value at the concrete rebar interface, the passive film breaks and leads to a severe increase in the corrosion rate. Further, dynamic loading and the temperature of the surroundings also affect the durability of the reinforcements. The rebar may be protected from such a corrosion attack by the suitable selection of material, improving the concrete quality and tailoring its composition or application of protective coatings. The present chapter highlights and summarizes the different grades of steel for their high corrosion resistance. Further, surface engineering and application of corrosion resistance coatings for the prevention of corrosion of construction steel rebars has been also discussed elaborately.