On-Site Corrosion Diagnosis and Its Control by Electrochemical Techniques in Contemporary Built Heritage

Abstract

Corrosion prevention of Built Heritage represents an important discipline within Heritage Science. Many metal materials have been widely used in antiques and contemporary art pieces, as well as Buildings and Construction. Conservation of metallic building structures is crucial because of cultural value and historical significance. This chapter is devoted for studying the use of electrochemical techniques for on-site corrosion monitoring. There is an increased interest in the area of heritage conservation due to its significance i.e., a strong commitment to maintain and preserve the conditions of the structures, its cultural value and structural integrity. From a Heritage Science conservation standpoint there is a need to establish new conservation strategies and policies, thus allowing to preserve the culture as a whole and the heritage identity. Identifying the current state of corrosion damage on contemporary built heritages is a crucial task that needs to be executed. Non-destructive and quantitative techniques for measuring corrosion are needed to detect the deterioration of structures at an early stage (to predict their residual life), and thus to decide what prevention or repair systems need to be applied. Electrochemical techniques provide virtually the only viable procedure for assessing reinforcement corrosion without removing the concrete layer. Electrochemical corrosion techniques are valuable non-destructive diagnostic tools used for evaluating reinforced concrete heritage buildings and structures, which can supply information for the restoration repairs. The expected outcome of the on-site application of electrochemical technique, is to identify the type of corrosion processes and mechanisms, which will establish a corrosion control and management protocol of existing contemporary buildings in order to ensure and guarantee its preservation.