A reinforced concrete corrosivity monitor (RCCM) is an embeddable non-destructive evaluation (NDE)
corrosion-monitoring instrument. It is capable of measuring several parameters important to long term
corrosion monitoring including linear polarization resistance (LPR), open circuit potential (OCP),
resistivity, temperature and a potential related to chloride ion concentration ([Cl-]). Each RCCM unit is a
digital peripheral connected on an embedded local area network. The instruments communicate with
each other and an external data logger using the SDI-12 industry standard protocol.
The RCCM has many applications in the construction and maintenance of commercial and civil
structures. These structures can include high rise buildings, parking garages, bridges, dams, spillways,
flood control channels, piers, pylons and erosion control structures. During construction, engineers,
builders and supervisors can monitor parameters such as chloride concentration, resistivity and
temperature. These parameters can identify errors at an early stage of construction. One error that may
be detectable is the use of sea water or contaminated water during mixing of the concrete ([Cl-]). The
moisture content and temperature of the structure can be monitored during the curing process to ensure
maximum strength of the concrete. Once construction is complete, the instrument can be used to
conduct long term monitoring of corrosion conditions over time.
Keywords: rebar, concrete, corrosion monitoring