The effect of electrochemical chloride extraction on pre-stressed concrete

Chloride induced corrosion is the main cause of corrosion in reinforced concrete structures. Electrochemical chloride extraction, also known as desalination, is applied to concrete structures containing ordinary reinforcement in order to extract chlorides from the concrete. During this process, atomic hydrogen generated on the steel surface can cause hydrogen embrittlement of the steel. High strength steels, such as those that are used in pre-stressed concrete, are particularly susceptible to hydrogen embrittlement which, at worst, can result in the sudden and unpredictable collapse of a structure. This paper presents the results of a series of constant extension rate tests conducted on 22 pre-stressed concrete specimens that had been subjected to electrochemical chloride extraction. The paper concludes that the risk of hydrogen induced brittle fracture due to electrochemical chloride extraction cannot be altered with modification of the treatment parameters, such as current density or treatment duration. It was also uninfluenced by different surface states of the steel (corroded or not corroded). Therefore, based on the findings of this study, it can be concluded that electrochemical chloride extraction should not be applied to pre-stressed concrete.