Development of an embeddable sensor to monitor the corrosion process of new and existing reinforced concrete structures

An integrated and cost-effective sensor system to monitor the state of reinforced concrete structures from the corrosion point of view was developed. The sensor provides measurements of the open circuit potential of rebars, the corrosion current density of rebars, the electrical resistivity of concrete, the availability of oxygen, the chloride ions concentration in concrete, and the temperature inside the structure. The integrated system consists of different electrodes embedded in concrete and a software system that acquires and analyses the data. The results obtained so far show the capabilities of this type of sensor to determine the corrosion state of existing as well as new concrete structures.