Hydrogen Induced Stress Corrosion of Prestressing Steels - Introducing a New Testing Method

The causes for the susceptibility of prestressing steels to hydrogen induced stress corrosion and the failure mechanisms occurring could be researched in depth. In contrast to this an exact testing method on the evidence of the prestressing steel sensitivity valid for all steel types does not exist. This has caused not only prejudices against prestressed buildings but has also led to additional safety precautions in practice (so-called robustness reinforcement). Economic disadvantages are the result. Therefore, the development of an accepted, meaningful and quickly performed test and inspection method is the aim of the co-operation research between the Leipzig University "Institut für Massivbau und Baustofftechnologie (IMB)" and the "Institut für Werkstofftechnik und Werkstoffprüfung (IWW)" of the Otto-von-Guericke University in Magdeburg. The measuring of electrochemical noise (ECR) for the investigation of the sensitivity of prestressing steels to hydrogen induced stress corrosion is a promising method. It can be used both for early diagnosis of corrosion processes under laboratory conditions and for practical corrosion monitoring.