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Monitor corrosion in reinforced concrete to clarify reinforcement condition and support maintenance of exposed structures.

Corrosion monitoring becomes relevant in reinforced concrete structures when delamination, cracking or other signs of deterioration make it necessary to assess the condition of the steel reinforcement. It is also relevant where structures are exposed to aggressive environments such as splash zones with seawater or where de-icing salt is frequently used, and in structures where periodic inspection is difficult after construction, such as bridges and tunnels. 

When reinforcement condition must be documented 

Without reliable information about the state of the reinforcement, deterioration can develop without a clear basis for deciding what should be monitored, maintained or repaired. Corrosion monitoring provides documented insight into the condition of the reinforcement and supports follow-up where corrosion development needs to be observed over time. The work builds on more than 30 years of experience and international research projects experience. The service is part of our expertise area Corrosion protection and cathodic systems.

Close-up of concrete corrosion testing equipment mounted on steel reinforcement grid, showing probes and cables used for corrosion monitoring of steel reinforcement in concrete.
Probes installed on reinforcement to monitor corrosion development within a concrete structure.

Challenges

When reinforced concrete structures show deterioration, uncertainty about reinforcement corrosion makes maintenance decisions difficult.

Limited insight delays maintenance decisions 

When the actual condition of the reinforcement is unknown, it becomes difficult to decide whether action is needed now or whether maintenance can be postponed without increasing the risk of further degradation. 

 

Difficult access restricts periodic inspection 

In structures such as bridges and tunnels, access conditions can make periodic control measurements difficult after construction, leaving less reliable information about ongoing deterioration. 

 

Corrosion initiation requires follow-up 

Once corrosion has started in the reinforcement, the uncertainty is no longer only whether damage exists, but how quickly the degradation is developing and when repair work should be carried out. 

Benefits

Get monitoring data that supports maintenance planning, repair evaluation and decisions on continued operation