Electro-osmotic techniques for removal of chloride from concrete and for emplacement of concrete sealants

Chloride ion from bridge deck concrete can be removed by application of a direct current potential between bridge reinforcing steel (-) and a copper screen (+) conductor on the bridge surface. Soaring prices of all types of energy would make removal of all chloride prohibitatively expensive. The importance of verification of all electrical connections prior to the treatment is emphasized by the demonstration of concrete cracking when the steel was made a positive instead of a negative electrode. Data on effectiveness of calcium nitrite corrosion inhibitor added to the concrete overlay placed on electrotreated concrete is not extensive due to accidental damage to the test slabs.