ELECTROCHEMICAL CHLORIDE EXTRACTION FROM CONCRETE STRUCTURE EXPOSED TO DEAD SEA WATER

Eighteen concrete samples with different concrete mixes, overlay thicknesses, and w/c ratios were cast and immersed in Dead Sea water bath. Potential readings were recorded over 7-month time period and results were plotted on a timepotential scale. Electrochemical chloride extraction (ECE) treatment was applied for one month, potential values recorded again and final results were plotted and compared. Data collected along 8 months clearly showed that higher w/c ratio (0.7 w/c), lower overlay thickness (2 cm), and the use of a more concentrated Cl- water (i.e. Dead Sea water) increased corrosion. ECE treatment has proved to be a successful technique to minimize the destructive effect of corrosion.