metalman8357
Materials
- Oct 5, 2012
- 155
One of our galvanized G90 sheet steel parts has been returned by a customer after the embedded section has rusted almost completely through. Since this is never an issue with our parts, I'm suspecting that their concrete might be the cause for failure. Sulfate attack of the concrete was my first thought, and this would cause cracking in the concrete that would expose the steel to the elements that would faciliate corrosion. I'm trying to conduct testing without visiting their home, as we are not permitted to do so. My question is how could I test if it is indeed sulfate attack or any other mechanism? Sulfate attack only occurs when sulfate was exposed to the concrete during preperation. I'm wondering if I could send the corroded part to have chemical analysis done to confirm if sulfates are present? Also, chlorides present in the initial concrete mix could also speed up corrosoin, and I could test for this as well. Does chemical analysis seem feasible for this investigation given that the part is already corroded?
