Influence of the microstructure of TMT reinforcing bars on their corrosion behavior in concrete with chlorides

Abstract Thermomechanically treated (TMT) carbon steel bars, often known as TempCoreTM bars, are commonly used as reinforcements in concrete structures. TMT causes the formation of a martensite case in the outer surface of the bars, increasing their hardness, while the remaining ferritic-perlitic core maintains the typical ductility of hot rolled bars. In this work, the effect of this TMT induced microstructure on the development of pitting attacks in chloride media has been analyzed in depth. Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) measurements and polarization curves have been carried out in simulated pore solutions to understand the effect of the presence of different phases in the microstructure and to quantify the strength of the galvanic couple that the outer martensite can form with the inner core. Moreover, accelerated corrosion tests in chloride contaminated concrete slabs have been performed. Bars from six different slabs where corrosive attack has been forced for different times have been studied. The shape of the main pits in the bars corroded in concrete has been analyzed through optoelectronic microscopy and the results obtained prove that the depth of the attack is related to the microstructure of the TMT bars.