Overview

Corrosion of steel is an electrochemical process involving anodic (corroding) and cathodic (passive) areas on the metal.

By measuring concrete surface electrical potentials relative to a standard reference electrode on a predetermined grid, the presence and location of corrosion and its probable future performance may be assessed. Such diagnosis identifies areas where corrosion is present or about to proceed long before any physical damage is visible.

The technique may be used to identify areas of reinforced concrete in need of repair or protective treatment.

The probe consists of a highly stable silver/silver chloride element enclosed in a gel electrolyte saturated with chloride-ion. It has a screw-on cap fitted with a sintered glass plug for ionic conduction.

Note: The instrument automatically converts and displays measured potentials as equivalent copper/copper sulphate potentials.

Elcometer combined covermeter/half-cell apparatus

We also stock the Elcometer range of concrete covermeters some of which also have a half-cell accessory. These easy to use half-cell meters have sealed electrodes in either copper or silver.

Usage

How to use: The survey procedure is firstly to locate the steel and determine the bar spacing using a covermeter. The cover concrete is removed locally over a suitable bar and an electrical connection made to the steel. It is necessary to check that the steel is electrically continuous by measuring the resistance between two widely separated points. The reinforcing bar is connected to the Half Cell via a digital voltmeter. Readings of Half Cell potential are taken over a regular grid of points (say 50cm apart) to give a potential map of the area.

Contour lines may be plotted between points of equal potential to indicate those area that have the creates rise of corrosion.

How to read results:
For copper/saturated copper sulphate electrode:

If you have any further questions about how to read the results, email or phone us and we can help you out.