Even if properly designed, crack formation in reinforced concrete structures is inevitable. Cracks in the concrete cover considerably reduce the barrier property against corrosion-initiating substances. Aggressive agents (e.g. chlorides) depassivate the reinforcement locally in the cracked area, which can lead to macro-cell corrosion. To protect direct driven concrete surfaces against chloride ingress such as in multistorey car parks, German Standards recommend the application of surface coatings. In the course of a research project, the reinforcements’ corrosion behavior in cracked concrete and the influence of an applied surface protection system on the corrosion process is investigated. Therefore, basic electrochemical parameters of corrosion and its boundary conditions are recorded. The paper presents results of the short-time chloride exposure as well as first findings concerning the influence of an applied sealing on corrosion activity. Chloride contamination led to active corrosion whereas the coating not always decreased macro-cell corrosion.      «

Even if properly designed, crack formation in reinforced concrete structures is inevitable. Cracks in the concrete cover considerably reduce the barrier property against corrosion-initiating substances. Aggressive agents (e.g. chlorides) depassivate the reinforcement locally in the cracked area, which can lead to macro-cell corrosion. To protect direct driven concrete surfaces against chloride ingress such as in multistorey car parks, German Standards recommend the application of surface coa...     »