Much of the deterioration of concrete structures can be attributed to chloride contamination. Rapid electrochemical methods have been developed to remove water soluble chlorides which cause comosion.
Electrochemical Chloride Extraction (ECE) removes the cause of the corrosion and leaves the concrete in a passive and stable condkion. ECE has been applied to all types of concrete structures, including bridge decks and substructure elements, parking structures, and other concrete building elements. This paper describes the electrochemicaltreatment methods and presents results from some of the field installations completed in North America to date. Based on an interpretation of the data available, it is hypothesized that shorter duration treatments may be sufficient to provide long term passivity.
Keywords Electrochemical Chloride Extraction ECE, Reitiorcing Steel Corrosion, Concrete Restoration.