Bond Strength and Corrosion Protection Properties of Hot-Dip Galvanized Prestressing Reinforcement in Normal-Strength Concrete

Several prestressing reinforced structures have recently collapsed due to chloride-induced steel corrosion. This study investigates the effect of the corrosion of hot-dip galvanized conventional prestressing steel reinforcement under hydrogen evolution on bond strength in normal-strength concrete. The impact of hydrogen evolution on the porosity of cement paste at the interfacial transition zone (ITZ) is verified through image analysis. The whole surface of prestressing strands is hot-dip galvanized, and their corrosion behavior when embedded in the cement paste is investigated by measuring the time dependence of the open-circuit potential. Concerning the uniformity of the hot-dip galvanized coating and its composition, it is advisable to coat the individual wires of the prestressing reinforcement and subsequently form a strand. It is demonstrated that the corrosion of the coating under the evolution of hydrogen in the cement paste reduces the bond strength of hot-dip galvanized reinforcement in normal-strength concrete. Image analysis after 28 days of cement paste aging indicates insignificant filling of hydrogen-generated pores by zinc corrosion products. Applying an additional surface treatment (topcoat) stable in an alkaline environment is necessary to avoid corrosion of the coating under hydrogen evolution and limit the risk of bond strength reduction.