Repair of Reinforced Concrete Structures by Electrochemical Techniques — Field Experience

Electrochemical chloride removal (ECR) and electrochemical realkalisation (ER) are increasingly used as restoration techniques in civil engineering practice. In both cases an alkaline environment is re-established in the concrete pore solution in the vicinity of the rebars. Two well-documented site jobs of successful application — a bridge substructure and a reinforced concrete building facade — are described. The main problems with electrochemical repair techniques on-site, the possible ways to control the effectiveness, the long-term durability and the application to post-tensioned structures are discussed.