Calibration of Accelerated Corrosion Regime for Short Square RC Columns Reinforced with Polypropylene and/or Steel Fibers

Abstract

The impressed current technique, commonly used in laboratory studies on corroded reinforced concrete, predicts mass loss via Faraday’s law. Although this method is useful for researchers, calibration is crucial to align intended and actual results, particularly regarding concrete type. The purpose of this work was to calculate the calibration parameters for different concrete mixtures that included steel or polypropylene fibres in varying amounts. The investigation was conducted using twenty-one RC columns, which were categorized into seven groups. For a maximum cumulative volume fraction of 1%, each group of columns had a specific fiber-reinforced concrete mix with a specific proportion of steel and/or polypropylene fibers. The corrosion of these reinforced concrete (RC) columns was accelerated through the implementation of the impressed current regime. Gravimetric measurements were conducted on these columns following the completion of the corrosion process. Ultimately, this study encompasses the findings and an analysis of the calibration parameters specific to the different combinations and proportions of fiber-reinforced concrete. Moreover, this research incorporates parametric studies that examine the effects of different ratios of polypropylene and/or steel fibres, together with comprehensive evaluations of the associated cost, offering precise and in-depth observations inside its scope.