Electrochemical chloride removal in reinforced concrete structures: Improvement of effectiveness by simultaneous migration of calcium nitrite

Electrochemical Chloride Extraction (ECE) is becoming a common methodology for repairing reinforced structures. Also the application of corrosion inhibitors on the concrete surface for its penetration its getting more and more interesting as protective method against corrosion of reinforcements. In this sense, the migration of corrosion inhibitors can be promoted by the application of an electric field, enhancing in this way the transport of the inhibitor. In present work, the simultaneous application of both technologies is proposed. The migration of nitrite to the rebar is promoted during the application of an ECE treatment by modifying the classical configuration through the connection of an external cathode to the rebar. The electrochemical response of the rebar after the treatment has been evaluated by corrosion potential and polarization resistance measurements. The efficiency of the treatment was confirmed by the visual inspection of the rebar and the analysis of chloride and nitrite at the level of the rebar.