Rusting of

Reinforcemen
t Bars
A challenge to
overcome

EN 14 5131 38
Chandrasena O.
Reinforcement Bars
Rebar(short forreinforcing bar) is a steelbar or mesh
of steel wiresusedas a tension device in
reinforcedconcrete andreinforcedmasonry structures to
strengthen and hold the concrete in compression.

Causes for Rusting

Prolonged exposure of rebar to atmosphere/rainfall
without any precaution.
Aggressive/saline/toxic environment.
Rusting
RUST is caused by the reaction of air (O2) and moisture
(H2O), and it is a common and natural phenomenon for
most steel products.

Rusted Rebars
Corrosion
CORROSION is an electrochemical reaction between
a metal and its environment.
Corrosion occurs when steel reacts with chloride ions
(Cl-), CO2 in presence of toxic environment.
Corrosion is uneven erosion, pitting of metal surface,
ribs due to intense rusting and is harmful to the
intended service performance of rebar.

Corroded Rebars
Acceptable Rust
Light Rust
This rust is characterized by a red, orange or light brown
color.
The amount of rust on the steel is dependent on the mill
scale thickness, humidity conditions, environmental
exposure and bar age.
Light rust is minor and not a structural concern.

Light Rusted
Rebars
Effects of rusting on
reinforcement
Decline the bond strength with concrete.
Reduces the effective cross sectional area of the
steel reinforcement.
Cracks are formed along the steel reinforcement
when the tensile strength of concrete is exceeded.
Precautions against Rusting
during construction
Rebars should not be kept in direct contact with ground
and without any cover for longer period of exposure.
The stacked reinforcement bars should be painted by a
cement wash.

Wrong Practise: Laying of rebars on ground

Measures to prevent rusting of
embedded reinforcement in concrete
The concrete should be properly compacted by tamping or
vibration and adequately cured.
Calcium chloride should not be used as far as possible for
accelerating the setting and hardening of cement concrete.
Cement, sand, stone aggregates and water, should be tested
for chloride and sulphate contents.
Adequate nominal cover thickness should be provided to steel
reinforcement.
Apply protective surface coatings to the exposed surfaces of
concrete.
Heavy rusting of reinforcement should be removed by wire
Corrosion Inhibitors
Corrosion inhibitors are chemical substances that,
when added in small concentrations, stop or reduce
the corrosion or reaction of the metal with the
environment.
Functioning mechanisms:
It may alter the external environmental conditions by
taking away or inactivating an aggressive agent
It may adhere to form a film on the surface of the metal
It brings about the formation of corrosion products
Important:
In fact, if the rust is tightly adhered to the bar, that is
considered beneficial as the rust will enhance the bond
characteristics of the bar to the surrounding concrete.
References
https://www.scribd.com/doc/97676275/Rust-on-Rebar
http://www.engineeringcivil.com/rust-corrosion-of-
reinforcement-bars-a-challenge-to-overcome.html
http://www.engineeringcivil.com/what-is-the-effect-of-
rusting-on-steel-reinforcement.html
http://www.engineeringcivil.com/how-do-corrosion-
inhibitors-function.html
THANK YOU