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Initiation of localized steel corrosion in alkaline sulfate solution

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Abstract

The role of sulfate ions on corrosion of steel in alkaline solutions (including cementitious materials) has been contested in the literature due to the effects of the many exposures, material and test conditions. Recent observations of steel corrosion in cementitious grouts in post-tensioned bridges coinciding with elevated sulfate-ion concentrations have prompted the development of material specifications concerning segregated grout. Electrochemical testing of steel in alkaline sulfate solutions were conducted to elucidate the impairment of the passive layer. The increase in the anodic current exchange density at higher sulfate ion concentrations resulted in the development of electronegative potentials and high corrosion rates. The numerous distinct electrochemical noise events in solutions with > 1,300 ppm SO42− were characteristic of metastable pitting and pitting. The results of the testing identified sulfate levels that impair the passive layer and provided support for recent specifications that limited sulfate ion concentrations in deficient grout.

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Acknowledgements

This investigation was supported by the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT). The opinions,

findings and conclusions expressed here are those of the authors and not necessarily those of the FDOT or the U.S. Department of Transportation. The assistance by Alexander Hernandez on SEM analysis is acknowledged.

Funding

This study was funded by the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT), awarded to Kingsley Lau. Grant Number: BDV29-977–43.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Florida International University, 10555 W. Flagler St, Miami, FL, 33174, USA

    Samanbar Permeh & Kingsley Lau

  2. Florida Department of Transportation, 5007 NE 39th Ave., Gainesville, FL, 32609, USA

    Matthew Duncan & Ron Simmons

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  1. Samanbar Permeh
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  2. Kingsley Lau
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Correspondence to Kingsley Lau.

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Permeh, S., Lau, K., Duncan, M. et al. Initiation of localized steel corrosion in alkaline sulfate solution. Mater Struct 54, 143 (2021). https://doi.org/10.1617/s11527-021-01740-8

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