Time-to-corrosion of reinforcing steel in concrete slabs. Volume 5: Calcium nitrite admixture or epoxy-coated reinforcing bars as corrosion protection systems

Thirty-one relatively large reinforced concrete slabs are fabricated using either nonspecification epoxy coated reinforcing steel or calcium nitrite admixture with black (uncoated) steel. Their performance is compared with uncoated steel in concrete without admixtures. All the electrical connections between the reinforcing mats are made exterior to the slabs so that the corrosion current flow could be monitored. A worst case type of research design is used by specifying poor quality concrete, nonspecification epoxy coated rebars, and good electrical coupling between the rebar mats. After curing, the slabs are mounted above ground and exposed to the environment of the Washington, D.C. location. Selected slabs are demolished to confirm the findings of the nondestructive testing.