Method of treating corrosion in reinforced concrete structures by providing a uniform surface potential

摘要

The invention provides a method of inhibiting or preventing corrosion of reinforced steel in concrete by eliminating the differences in surface potentials that result in the total passivation of corrosion activity and create an environment in the steel that does not allow corrosion. The method, optionally includes measuring the active non-uniform surface potential in the steel and passing a DC voltage through the concrete and steel to stop corrosion providing a substantially uniform surface potential on the reinforced steel. The current is controlled and adjusted to send pre-determined amounts of electrical energy to individual areas targeted for treatment. A corrosion potential survey may be conducted to determine the energy requirements necessary for the corrosion condition or a reference electrode may be strategically placed on the concrete structure. The amount of energy passed is sufficient to polarize the reinforcing steel sufficiently to stop corrosion and establish substantially uniform surface potentials on all the reinforcing steel. The invention also includes changing conditions on the surface of steel from a condition of non-uniform surface potential to a condition of substantially uniform surface potential.