What causes reinforcing steel to corrode inside concrete?

Concrete normally provides a highly alkaline environment (pH 12-13) that passivates reinforcing steel and prevents corrosion. Corrosion initiates when this protective environment is compromised — either by chloride contamination (from deicing salts, marine exposure, or admixtures) or by carbonation (CO2 penetration that lowers the concrete pH). Once initiated, corrosion is self-sustaining unless actively stopped.

What is cathodic protection and how does it work?

Cathodic protection works by making the reinforcing steel the cathode (negative electrode) in an electrochemical cell. This is achieved by connecting a more reactive metal (zinc anode) to the steel or by applying a small electrical current from an external source. The protective current prevents the electrochemical reactions that cause steel to corrode, effectively stopping the corrosion process.

How do I know if my structure needs corrosion protection?

Signs of active corrosion include rust staining on concrete surfaces, concrete spalling or delamination (hollow-sounding areas), exposed or corroded reinforcing steel, and cracking patterns that follow reinforcement layouts. A corrosion assessment with half-cell potential testing can detect corrosion activity before visible damage appears, allowing preventive treatment.

Corrosion Control & Protection

Advanced corrosion mitigation systems that stop reinforcement deterioration and extend the service life of concrete structures by decades.

Request a Corrosion Assessment 661-733-7009

Cathodic protection system diagram showing corrosion control technology for concrete reinforcement

Reinforcing steel corrosion is the leading cause of concrete structure deterioration worldwide. When steel corrodes inside concrete, the expanding rust products create internal pressures that crack and spall the surrounding concrete, exposing more steel to corrosion in a self-accelerating cycle. Texas Structural Concrete provides comprehensive corrosion control services including cathodic protection systems, corrosion inhibitor treatments, and protective barrier coatings. Our corrosion engineers evaluate the electrochemical condition of your structure and design mitigation systems that stop active corrosion and prevent future deterioration.

Why Choose TSC for Corrosion Control & Protection

Stop Active Corrosion

Cathodic protection and corrosion inhibitors halt the electrochemical corrosion process in reinforcing steel.

Prevent Future Damage

Barrier coatings and sealers prevent moisture and chlorides from initiating new corrosion in protected areas.

Reduce Repair Costs

Corrosion mitigation is far less expensive than repeated concrete repair cycles caused by ongoing corrosion.

Extend Structure Life

Effective corrosion control can extend the useful life of a concrete structure by 25-50 years.

Our Corrosion Control & Protection Process

Corrosion Assessment

Half-cell potential surveys, chloride content testing, and carbonation depth analysis to map the corrosion condition of the structure.

Mitigation Design

Engineers design the corrosion control system — cathodic protection, inhibitors, barriers, or combination — based on assessment findings and budget.

Concrete Repair

Repair active corrosion damage (spalls, delaminations) before installing corrosion protection to ensure the system protects sound concrete.

System Installation

Install cathodic protection anodes, apply corrosion inhibitors, or apply barrier coatings per the engineered design.

Monitoring Setup

Install reference electrodes and monitoring systems to verify ongoing corrosion protection performance.

Cathodic Protection Systems

Cathodic protection is the only corrosion control method proven to stop active corrosion in concrete reinforcement. Galvanic (sacrificial anode) systems use zinc anodes embedded in or attached to the concrete to provide protective current to the reinforcing steel. Impressed current systems use an external power source to drive protective current through embedded anodes. We design both types of systems for bridges, parking structures, marine structures, and buildings with active corrosion.

Corrosion Inhibitor Treatments

Migrating corrosion inhibitors (MCIs) are applied to concrete surfaces and penetrate to the reinforcing steel depth, forming a protective film on the steel surface that raises the corrosion threshold. These treatments are effective for structures with elevated chloride levels that have not yet experienced active corrosion damage. MCI treatments are a cost-effective preventive measure that can be applied without disrupting building operations.

Protective Barrier Systems

Sealers, coatings, and membranes applied to concrete surfaces prevent moisture and chlorides from penetrating to the reinforcing steel. Silane/siloxane sealers provide invisible protection for exposed concrete surfaces. Epoxy and polyurethane coatings provide both corrosion protection and aesthetic improvement. These barrier systems are the first line of defense in a comprehensive corrosion control program.

Frequently Asked Questions

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Contact Texas Structural Concrete for a free consultation on your corrosion control & protection project. Veteran-owned. Nationwide service.

Request a Corrosion Assessment Call 661-733-7009