Chloride induced corrosion of reinforcement in volcanic ash and pumice based blended concrete

This paper reports the results of experiments evaluating the corrosion resistance of plain, volcanic ash (VA) and volcanic pumice powder (VPP) concrete mixes. Variables were VA and VPP additions of 0-20% as cement replacement and cement contents. X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis, electrochemical and electromechanical measurements and physical tests were used to monitor the corrosive behaviour of embedded steel bars in concretes. Results showed that additions of VA and VPP are effective in inhibiting corrosion of reinforcing bars. The superior performance in inhibiting corrosion in reinforcing steel is attributable to the densification of the cement-paste matrix due to pozzolanic action in the VA and VPP concrete mixes.