Behaviour of reinforced alkali-activated fly ash mortars under leaching condi- tions

Author(s): Petr Hlaváček (1), Steffi Reinemann (2), Gregor J.G. Gluth (1), Gino Ebell (2) and Jürgen Mietz
Paper category: Proceedings
Book title: Proceedings of the International Conference on Sustainable Materials, Systems and Structures (SMSS2019) New Generation of Construction Materials
Editor(s): Marijana Serdar, Nina Štirmer, John Provis
ISBN: 978-2-35158-217-6,
Vol 1. ISBN: 978-2-35158-223-7
e-ISBN: 978-2-35158-218-3
Publisher: RILEM Publications SARL
Publication year: 2019
Pages: 142-148
Total Pages: 7
Language : English

Abstract: Corrosion of steel reinforcement in concrete is one of the major deterioration mechanisms limiting the service life of reinforced concrete structures. While for conventional (Portland cement-based) concretes a great amount of experience exists in this regard, the factors that determine the onset of reinforcement corrosion in alkali-activated materials are incompletely understood yet.
One aspect of corrosion protection is leaching and the accompanying changes of the concrete pore solution. In the present study, alkali-activated fly ash mortars with embedded carbon steel rebars were exposed to de-ionised water for periods up to 330 days, and the electrochemical response of the steel (free corrosion potential, polarisation resistance), the alteration of the mortar (ohmic resistance, mechanical strength, pore size distribution) as well as the pore solu- tion composition were monitored.
Although substantial alkali leaching was observed, the pH of the pore solution remained at values sufficient to protect the embedded steel from depassivation. The mortar did not exhibit indications of significant deterioration. Thus, the present results suggest that leaching is not critical for protection of steel reinforcement in alkali-activated fly ash mortars and concretes.

Online publication : 2019
Publication type : full_text
Public price (Euros) : 0.00