Rust – iron + water + oxygen → hydrated iron(III) oxide = FE3+
When FErrous come into contact with oxygen and water they Rust
· Iron + Carbon = Steel
· Steel + Concrete = two materials with the same coefficient of expansion = re-inforced concrete = sky scrapers
Protection from rust – Alkalinity, Paint, plastic, Cathode
The principal signs of deterioration and distress within reinforced concrete structures are:
- Cracks
- Spalling
- Pop outs
- Discolouration
- Leaks
- Damp Patches
- Lim-scale
- Re-inforcement corrosion
- Previous repairs
- Location and condition of joints
- Condition of bearings
Period properties often used ferrous metals as ties and as structural elements.
Some mid- war properties of non conventional construction were built structurally of Ferrous structural elements :
Your structural/Building survey should advise you where these elements may be, their expected condition and how to ensure their protection.
