Analysis of the Effect of Protective Properties of Concretes with Similar Composition on the Corrosion Rate of Reinforcing Steel Induced by Chloride Ions

This study presents a comparison of the protective properties of three concretes of similar composition on the effect of chloride ions. To determine these properties, the values of the diffusion and migration coefficients of chloride ions in concrete were determined using both standard methods and the thermodynamic ion migration model. We tested a comprehensive method for checking the protective properties of concrete against chlorides. This method can not only be used in various concretes, even those with only small differences in composition, but also in concretes with various types of admixtures and additives, such as PVA fibers. The research was carried out to address the needs of a manufacturer of prefabricated concrete foundations. The aim was to find a cheap and effective method of sealing the concrete produced by the manufacturer in order to carry out projects in coastal areas. Earlier diffusion studies showed good performance when replacing ordinary CEM I cement with metallurgical cement. The corrosion rates of the reinforcing steel in these concretes were also compared using the following electrochemical methods: linear polarization and impedance spectroscopy. The porosities of these concretes, determined using X-ray computed tomography for pore-related characterization, were also compared. Changes in the phase composition of corrosion products occurring in the steel–concrete contact zone were compared using scanning electron microscopy with a micro-area chemical analysis capability, in addition to X-ray microdiffraction, to study the microstructure changes. Concrete with CEM III cement was the most resistant to chloride ingress and therefore provided the longest period of protection against chloride-initiated corrosion. The least resistant was concrete with CEM I, for which, after two 7-day cycles of chloride migration in the electric field, steel corrosion started. The additional use of a sealing admixture can cause a local increase in the volume of pores in the concrete, and at the same time, a local weakening of the concrete structure. Concrete with CEM I was characterized as having the highest porosity at 140.537 pores, whereas concrete with CEM III (characterized by lower porosity) had 123.015 pores. Concrete with sealing admixture, with the same open porosity, had the highest number of pores, at 174.880. According to the findings of this study, and using a computed tomography method, concrete with CEM III showed the most uniform distribution of pores of different volumes, and had the lowest total number of pores.