The effect of electrical stray current on material properties of mortar specimens

Well known is that stray electrical current i.e. current with a spatial distribution in any conductive environment, can affect civil structures, e.g. initiate or enhance steel corrosion or affect microstructural and mechanical properties of the cement-based bulk matrix. While the former is related to polarization effects in conditions of current...

Mechanical, electrical and microstructural properties of cement-based materials in conditions of stray current flow

This investigation presents a comparative study on mechanical properties, electrical resistivity and microstructure of mortar under DC current, compared to mortar in rest (no current) conditions. Monitoring was performed from 24h after casting until 84 days of cement hydration. A current density level of 10 mA/m2 was chosen as a simulation...

Mechanical, electrical and microstructural properties of cement-based materials in conditions of current flow

Corrosion in reinforced concrete structures is not only induced by the penetration of aggressive substances (e.g. chlorides and/or CO2) but also influenced by stray currents. Further, the degradation mechanisms in reinforced cement-based systems due to the combined effect of stray current and chloride penetration have been a serious problem in...

Apparatus for cathodic protection of steel reinforced concrete structures and method