An experimental study on corrosion resistance of concrete with ground granulate blast-furnace slag

This paper presents experimental test results on corrosion resistance of concrete containing ground granulate blast-furnace slag (GGBS) and ASTM Type I or ASTM Type V cement. To investigate the problem, a series of tests were performed. First, rapid chloride permeability tests were executed in accordance with ASTM C 1202 to determine the qualitative terms of chloride-ion penetrability. Second, accelerated chloride-ion diffusion tests were done to calculate diffusion coefficients of chloride-ions permeated through concrete specimens. Third, accelerated steel corrosion tests were carried out by using the repeated wetting and drying technique. Fourth, half-cell potential tests were implemented in accordance with ASTM C 876 to evaluate the probability of steel corrosion. Finally, the surface area of corrosion on embedded steel in concrete specimens was measured to confirm half-cell test results. Test results showed that the coefficient of permeability of Type I cement concrete was lower than that of Type V cement concrete. All the concrete mixed with GGBS exhibited lower diffusion coefficient, compared to GGBS-free concrete. Moreover, the corrosion probability of steel bar in Type V cement concrete was higher than that of steel bar in Type I cement concrete. Based on the test results, it is suggested that much stronger corrosion resistance can be achieved, if higher volume of GGBS is added in Type I cement rather than Type V cement.