| Post-tensioning grouts, typically a mixture of cement and water (sand, mineral chemical admixtures can also be used), is not only designed to transfer stresses between cables and precast concrete, but also to protect prestressing strands against corrosive phenomena.; A recent concern regarding post-tensioned structures is the possibility that corrosive agents may reach grouted steel tendons and start a sequence of events that would culminate with catastrophic collapses. This possible scenario motivated the creation of a test intended to measure the degree of corrosion protection for grouts used in post-tensioning applications: the Accelerated Corrosion Test (ACT), which is recommended today by the Post-Tensioning Institute (PTI).; Although recommended and already in use, the ACT is not fully developed and researchers have been pointing out the necessity for further studies in order to evaluate the influence of the IR drop effect on ACT results.; The present research tested five different categories of grout (plain, prepackaged, with corrosion inhibitors, with silica fume, and with fly ash) in an electrochemical setup capable of compensating for IR drop effects, and recommends new procedures to be adopted in an improved version of the ACT in an standardized format. |
