Special testing services to check the levels of chloride ion ingress in reinforced concrete now available from CERAM Building Technology

Special testing services to check the levels of chloride ion ingress in reinforced concrete now available from CERAM Building Technology (CBT), will prove to be a useful aid for the construction industry. CBT is a division of CERAM, the internationally renowned centre for materials and technology, based in Stoke-on-Trent. One of the major forms of attack is chloride ion ingress which can lead to the corrosion of the reinforcing steel and a subsequent reduction in strength.

Bridges are particularly susceptible as the main source of chloride ions is road salt.

Reinforced concrete used in coastal environments is also at risk.

CBT's Prof Geoff Edgell, explained; 'Relatively impenetrable concrete is often used as a means of preventing chloride penetration, however, as the passage of chloride ions through concrete is naturally very slow it would be uneconomic to test at the normal rate'.

'We are able to use accelerated test methods to assess the potential for and ease of passage of the chloride ions through the concrete'.

Reinforced concrete is expected to last in any particular environment, often with little or no maintenance or repair for long periods of time (often over 100 years).

CBT's ability to carry out accelerated testing will be important for Consulting and Civil Engineers, either in the event of a degradation problem or when checking concrete structures for potential future problems.