Potential field measurement (reinforced concrete)

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The potential field measurement is a non-destructive test in construction that can be used to determine whether there is any corrosion activity on the reinforcement in the reinforced concrete .

The corrosion of reinforcing steel is an electrochemical process in which part of the steel takes on the function of an anode and another part of the function of a cathode . In order to find out which area is where, the electrochemical potential between steel and concrete, more precisely between the steel and a reference electrode placed on the concrete , is measured at certain intervals across the entire concrete surface . A copper / copper sulphate electrode (Cu / CuSO 4 - half-cell with an electrode made of copper in saturated copper sulphate solution ) is generally used as the reference electrode . The potential is the electrical voltage that is measured between the steel and the copper of the reference electrode. If the potential has been measured at the different locations, the potentials together form a potential field .

Equipotential lines are formed in the potential field . This shows places with extreme potential. This can be the anodic or cathodic potential. In areas with anodic potential, the steel corrodes or is at least particularly susceptible to corrosion.

See also: Concrete repair , electrochemistry , potential theory

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