Study on Corrosion of Reinforced Concrete with Synthetic Fiber Using Electrochemical Noise Technique

Abstract In this work, the objective of this study is the incorporation of synthetic fibers in the elaboration of concrete to improve the corrosion resistance of embedded steel. Cubic concrete test pieces were manufactured and long fibers of 3 cm dimensions, 0.3-0.4 cm wide and 0.05 cm thick were used, in quantities of 0.2% and 0.4% in partial substitution of fine aggregate. The specimens were immersed for 168 days in a saline environment at 3% NaCl. The electrochemical noise technique was applied to monitor the corrosion resistance, studying the time series phenomena on the potential and the current. Statistical values of the electrochemical noise resistance parameters and the localization index were analysed to identify the corrosion model present in the system. It was shown that the use of synthetic fibers in higher volume increased the corrosion process of the steel at specific areas of the metal surface presenting localized corrosion.