Effect of sulphate on the corrosion of reinforcing steel in concrete

Abstract

The corrosion rate of concrete reinforcement bars (rebars) in the presence of sulphate, and its effect when combined with chlorides was investigated, in the context of radioactive waste management. It was found that the presence of sulphate alone as well as the combined effect with chloride increase the corrosion rate of rebars. Based on these results, the selection of the site of construction of a radioactive waste repository is crucial to comply with the durability requirements of the facility.