Electrolytic corrosion of iron and steel in concrete

In these days of wide and rapidly growing use of reinforced concrete and hydraulic cements in all kinds of structures, the question often comes up as to whether concrete will afford to iron and steel the same protection from stray currents of electricity that it does ordinary corrosion or rust. In the practice of investigating movements and results of currents upon under ground pipes and other structures, several instances have come to our notice where damage has been caused by electrolytic action upon metals covered or incased in concrete or Portland cement.