Corrosion macrocell behavior of reinforcing steel in partially submerged concrete columns

Abstract The corrosion behavior of reinforcing steel embedded in laboratory concrete columns partially submerged in a 5% NaCl solution, under different wetting conditions of the region above water line, has been investigated. A macrocell corrosion pattern developed in the test columns, with steel in the upper portions of the columns being mainly the site of the oxygen reduction reaction and a small passive current. When the columns were dry or partially moist, the cathodic reaction in the upper portions of the columns was primarily under activation polarization, while under full wetting nearly complete diffusional control took place.