Application Limits Of The Potential Measurement Technique - Proceq PM8500 User Manual

3.1.4 Application limits of the potential measurement technique

The potential field measurement even with a coarse grid delivers good results for chloride
induced corrosion. This type of corrosion is typified by pitting developing into troughs.
Corrosion due to carbonation is typified by the development of smaller macro-elements and is
only possible to determine by using a very fine grid if at all.
Corrosion of pre-stressed steel reinforcement is not possible to detect if it is located within a
protective tube.
The potential field measurement alone offers no quantitative conclusions about the rate of
corrosion. Empirical studies have shown that there is a direct relationship between the
corrosion rate and the electrical resistivity. However, corrosion rate readings are of limited
value as the rebar corrosion rate varies considerably with time. It is more reliable to work with
corrosion readings taken over a period of time.
25. September 2023 © Copyright 2023, PROCEQ SA 12