scope:

General

Inspecting and monitoring the condition of conventionally reinforced concrete involves the use of a number of evaluation techniques, ranging from simple visual inspections that identify rust staining, cracks, and delamination, to physical and chemical inspection methods, which use hammer rebound, ultrasonic testing, electrical resistance, chemical analyses, or electrochemical potential and corrosion rate measurements. A number of relevant standards and overview technical papers that discuss issues germane to corrosion inspection of reinforced concrete structures are available.^17-30 In 1993, a manual related to this topic was published.³¹

The purpose of this standard is to provide the corrosion specialist, engineer, or owner a framework for evaluating the corrosion condition of a reinforced concrete structure beyond simple visual inspection and basic sounding techniques. Evaluation techniques that identify general and localized corrosion of conventional reinforcement are provided. Although this standard specifically addresses conventionally reinforced structures, many of the techniques also apply to prestressed and post-tensioned reinforcement. Commentary is included for screening corrosion control methods that might be considered as part of recommendations for restoration of the reinforced concrete structure being evaluated. However, it is beyond the scope of this standard to fully address all factors associated with the design, criteria, and implementation of such corrosion control measures.