Vertical impedance measurements on concrete bridge decks for assessing susceptibility of reinforcing steel to corrosion

Rev Sci Instrum. 2012 Aug;83(8):085104. doi: 10.1063/1.4740479.

Abstract

Corrosion is a pressing problem for aging concrete infrastructure, especially bridge decks. Because of its sensitivity to factors that affect corrosion of reinforcing steel in concrete, resistivity is an important structural health indicator for reinforced concrete structures. In this research, an instrument was developed to measure vertical impedance on concrete bridge decks. Measurements of vertical impedance on slabs prepared in the laboratory, on slabs removed from decommissioned bridge decks, and on an in-service bridge deck in the field demonstrate the utility of the new apparatus.